On the new edition of Broadband Action, CBAN’s Jon Willow chats with Christa Vinson and Joshua Williams with Rural LISC. Rural LISC believes that in a resilient rural community, digital access means affordable, reliable broadband internet, widely available internet-enabled computer technology and digital skill supports that meet user needs. Achieving this goal requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate barriers to access and use technology. Jon, Christa, and Joshua chat about the work of the organization, including their Broadband Planning Help Hub.

Broadband Action is available on the CBAN YouTube Channel. Or enjoy the audio version on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform - just search for "Broadband Action" for a list of all episodes!

Commerce Secretary Lutnick recently called for a "tech-neutral" approach to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, signaling a potential shift from fiber to satellite technology. This could redirect $10-20 billion in funding to providers like Starlink, disrupting states' existing plans that primarily focus on fiber deployment.

In a blog post, the nonproft organization Connect Humanity argues strongly for maintaining BEAD's fiber-first approach, highlighting fiber's advantages:

• Symmetrical gigabit speeds with unlimited capacity
• Weather-resistant reliability
• Multi-generational longevity
• Promotion of market competition
• Economic development support

In contrast, LEO satellite broadband faces limitations:

• Finite bandwidth leading to network congestion
• Higher latency affecting real-time applications
• Single-entity control raising resilience concerns
• Affordability barriers for many households
• Short 5-7 year lifespan requiring costly replacements

While satellite technology has its place in serving extremely remote areas, the article contends that fiber remains the most cost-effective long-term solution for most communities. It compares the fiber-to-satellite shift to "replacing a bridge with a ferry service" - cheaper initially but less effective and ultimately more expensive.

DZS, a provider of broadband access and connectivity solutions, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Friday, March 14, 2025, after failing to secure necessary working capital to continue operations. The filing has resulted in the immediate cessation of all United States operations and the termination of all US-based employees.

Foreign subsidiaries in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia may continue to operate independently from the US liquidation process, though they are expected to experience significant disruptions to daily operations, including IT systems and software programs.
A Chapter 7 Trustee will soon be appointed to oversee the liquidation process in the United States and determine the fate of foreign subsidiaries - whether through going concern sales, local administration, or orderly liquidation.

Despite two years of efforts to balance technology initiatives while optimizing expenses and securing capital, the company was ultimately unsuccessful in stabilizing its financial position. After 25 years in operation, DZS remains hopeful that its market-leading solutions will be acquired through the liquidation process, potentially restoring service to customers and suppliers.
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Affected parties can expect to receive official notification from the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Texas with additional information and the Trustee's contact details.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr has launched an initiative called "In re: Delete, Delete, Delete" inviting public input to identify regulations for elimination. This effort responds to President Trump's executive orders aimed at reducing government regulation, including one requiring agencies to repeal ten rules for each new one proposed.

​Carr, who has closely aligned with Trump's policy priorities, argues that administrative agencies have often exceeded their authority or maintained outdated regulations, creating obstacles for innovators and businesses. "The FCC is committed to ending all of the rules and regulations that are no longer necessary," Carr stated.
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The FCC specifically seeks comments on regulations that are outdated, create market entry barriers, disadvantage American businesses, or impose costs exceeding their benefits. The public has 30 days to submit comments through the FCC website.

Louisiana's $1.3 billion federal broadband funding remains stalled due to an ongoing federal review, according to Thomas Tyler, deputy director of the state's broadband office. While Louisiana, Delaware, and Nevada received spending plan approvals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program during the Biden administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology hasn't provided final sign-off since the Trump administration transition.

The delay has left these states in limbo despite providers being "ready to hit the dirt" with deployments. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently announced plans to revamp BEAD with a "tech-neutral approach," potentially shifting away from the program's preference for fiber infrastructure.
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This comes as Republican lawmakers challenge aspects of the program, with Rep. Richard Hudson introducing legislation to eliminate certain requirements and broaden technology options. Despite uncertainties, over 32 states have begun soliciting grant applications under current guidelines.

For more, CLICK HERE to read the story at Broadband Breakfast.

The latest edition of "Broadband Action" focuses on what happens next with the Universal Service Fund, or USF. The Universal Service Fund has played a huge role in getting Americans connected, first with telephone service and later with broadband. But legal challenges to the USF could put the program in jeopardy.

In this episode of Broadband Action, we chat with Christopher Mitchell of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and Sean Stokes with Keller & Heckman LLP.

• CLICK HERE to watch the video podcast on the CBAN YouTube Channel
• CLICK HERE to listen to the audio on Spotify, or search "Broadband Action" on your favorite podcast app.

https://communitynets.org
https://www.khlaw.com

As we count down the final 6 weeks until the CBAN/IAMU 2025 Spring Summit, we want to thank the amazing companies that have signed up as sponsors! Please plan to spend some time with each of these companies when you attend the Summit on April 22-23, 2025 at Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames!

We still have sponsorships and exhibit spaces available! CLICK HERE to learn more about the Summit, or reach out to CBAN Development Manager Marlena Pfeiffer - [email protected] - to reserve your space or sponsorship!

State officials are calling on Washington to allow continuity in the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program amid uncertainty following Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's announcement of a "rigorous review." While House Republicans criticized the program during a recent subcommittee hearing, state leaders from both parties are urging federal officials not to disrupt progress.
Missouri State Representative Louis Riggs, a Republican, bluntly stated: "Leave it alone; let the states do what they've done." He emphasized that states have developed expertise and infrastructure to deploy broadband effectively, expanding offices and refining maps to ensure accurate service delivery.
Vermont's Community Broadband Board officials expressed concern about potential federal interference, with Deputy Director Robert Fish noting that changes to the program "keeps me up at night." West Virginia Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito supports improvements but doesn't want her state to face delays or redoing applications.
Several states have already begun awarding grants, though others like Texas have paused programs amid federal uncertainty. Former NTIA Deputy Administrator Sarah Morris captured the sentiment: "States are on the one-yard line... anything that will set that back or create more redundant work... will be frustrating."

Patrick Moreland has been appointed as the new executive director of DVFiber, a Communications Union District bringing high-speed fiber internet to 24 towns in southern Vermont. DVFiber recently joined CBAN as a Provider Member.

Previously Assistant Town Manager for Brattleboro since 2011, Moreland has extensive experience in public service, municipal management, and broadband expansion. As a founding member of DVFiber's Governing Board, he helped bring Brattleboro into the district.
DVFiber President Steven John praised Moreland's project management skills and commitment to public service. Moreland expressed honor in taking the leadership role with the community-owned, municipal fiber-optic provider that aims to support economic development, telemedicine, education, and local businesses by delivering reliable internet to rural southeastern Vermont.
For more information about DVFiber, visit their website: https://dvfiber.net

The CBAN/IAMU 2025 Spring Summit is a can't miss event for midwestern broadband providers and community leaders. In the next few issues of Broadband Bytes we'll be focusing on some of the amazing sessions we have planned for the Summit on April 22-23, 2025 at Gateway Hotel in Ames, Iowa.

Our moderator is Kim McKinley of TAK Communications, long-time marketing manager for Utopia Fiber, America's largest community-owned open access networks. She's a nationally-recognized broadband expert and frequent presenter/panelist at events across America.

Kyle Box is City Operations Director for the City of Willmar, Minnesota. This week, the WIllmar City Council voted to decline an offer from Charter to build fiber in their industrial park and instead to continue their plans to build an open access network. Kyle will discuss Willmar's long journey to a key decision point.

Josh Orlowitz is Director of Strategy and Planning for Bonfire Fiber, which is building open access fiber networks in several areas. They are looking to work with additional communities who want to bring the consumer choice advantages of open access to their residents.

Dan Tracy, the Technology Director for the City of Ammon, Idaho will talk about his project-one of the very first open access networks in the nation, it's financing model, and how it has changed the broadband landscape in their community. Dan will be joining us virtually through the magic of FIBER OPTIC BROADBAND!

It's time to lock in your plans to join us for the Spring Summit! CLICK HERE to read more about the Summit, Including our full Spring Summit schedule, and to get registered. You'll also want to reserve your room at Gateway Hotel before the end of March so you can take advantage of our group rate. We'll see you in Ames!