Watch your inbox on Monday, February 3rd for important information about how to register for the 2025 CBAN/IAMU Spring Summit, to be held April 22 and 23, 2025 at Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames!

This year's Summit is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever - a must attend event for everyone with a stake in broadband access and adoption in the Midwest. 

Deb Socia, formerly with The Enterpise Center in Chattanooga, TN
Dr. Christopher Ali, Pioneers Chair in Telecommunications, Penn State University

In a recent communication to Fiber Broadband Association members, FBA President and CEO Gary Bolton outlined the anticipated trajectory of BEAD funding under the new administration. He expects several key developments in the near term:

A potential pause in the BEAD program is likely, with efforts to reform its existing structure. Howard Lutnick is anticipated to be quickly confirmed as Secretary of Commerce, though the nomination of an Assistant Secretary of Commerce and NTIA Administrator may take additional time. Bolton predicts that NTIA will review the program, focusing on streamlining broadband deployment by removing previous administration mandates related to labor, climate, and low-income provisions.

Despite potential administrative changes, Bolton emphasizes ongoing bipartisan support for broadband infrastructure investment. The Fiber Broadband Association continues to engage with individual states, recognizing their unique approaches to designing and implementing broadband programs tailored to local resident needs.

Bolton's key message is a call to action for industry members. He urges continued engagement with state broadband offices, state leaders, and federal representatives to maintain momentum in the BEAD program. The overarching goal remains ensuring universal connectivity and the broader societal benefits of a digitally connected nation.

The White House Office of Management and Budget has issued a directive ordering federal agencies to temporarily halt all federal grant and loan disbursements, according to a memo obtained by The Washington Post. The pause, which took effect Tuesday, could impact tens of billions of dollars in federal funding. It also makes it uncertain if states will be allowed to move forward with the BEAD program for new broadband deployment and digital equity activities.

Acting OMB Director Matthew J. Vaeth's memo requires agencies to conduct a "comprehensive analysis" to ensure their grant and loan programs align with President Trump's executive orders on diversity initiatives and clean energy spending. While the order explicitly excludes direct assistance to individuals, including Social Security and Medicare benefits, it affects a broad range of recipients including universities, research programs, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations.

The memo specifically mentions targeting financial assistance for "foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal." Federal agencies must submit detailed lists of suspended projects by February 10, with oversight assigned to senior political appointees rather than career officials.

Democratic leaders have criticized the move, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling for immediate reversal. Budget experts note that while presidents can temporarily defer spending, the legality and scope of this pause may face challenges. The order creates significant uncertainty for grant recipients who depend on federal funding for operational expenses.

Read the full story at The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/01/27/white-house-pauses-federal-grants/

The new FCC Chairman is pulling the plug on a bulk billing ban initiated by his predecessor.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced on January 24, 2025, that the Commission has ended its review of a Biden-era proposal regarding bulk billing arrangements for internet service in multi-tenant buildings. The proposal, introduced in 2024, would have affected how internet services are billed in apartments and similar residential settings.

Carr strongly criticized the initiative, claiming it could have led to significant price increases of up to 50 percent for apartment residents' internet services. He argued that such increases would have particularly impacted vulnerable groups, including seniors, students, and low-income individuals, who already benefit from the current bulk billing arrangements that typically offer reduced rates.

The decision to halt the review was supported by what Carr described as a "broad and bipartisan coalition" opposing the plan. He framed the move as a step toward reversing what he characterized as costly regulatory overreach from the previous administration, linking the proposal to broader concerns about inflationary pressures during the Biden-Harris presidency.

The Chairman indicated this decision marks the beginning of broader efforts to address what he views as excessive regulations from the previous administration.

Industry observers are anticipating potential shifts in US broadband policy that could favor 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) providers over traditional fiber and cable operators under President Trump's second term. While no concrete policies have been announced, several signs point to a possible pivot in how federal broadband funds are allocated.

A key focus is the $42 billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, initiated under the Biden administration primarily to support fiber deployments. Policy experts and Washington insiders suggest the program could be modified to embrace cheaper alternatives like fixed wireless and satellite broadband.

Arielle Roth, rumored to be Trump's pick to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), could play a crucial role in this shift. Roth's current boss, Senator Ted Cruz, has already urged the NTIA to eliminate what he calls "extreme technology bias" in BEAD and reduce "excessive per-location costs" - essentially advocating for a move away from fiber toward wireless solutions.

The wireless industry appears optimistic about the potential changes. Patrick Halley, CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association, noted Trump's familiarity with 5G issues from his first term and expressed hope for continued support. The appointment of Brendan Carr to lead the FCC, known for his pro-wireless stance, further bolsters these expectations.

Such policy changes would benefit major 5G carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile, along with smaller FWA providers. However, they could potentially disadvantage traditional broadband providers like AT&T, Comcast, and Charter Communications, who are already facing increasing competition from FWA operators.

While Trump's initial executive orders didn't directly address telecommunications policy, industry experts anticipate more relevant directives in the coming months as the administration settles in.

CLICK HERE for more at Light Reading.

A new survey from the National Lifeline Association (NaLA) highlights the challenges faced by Americans after the expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

The survey received over 68,000 responses from Lifeline and former ACP participants. Key findings include:

• 40% reported cutting food spending to afford internet bills without the ACP. 36% discontinued telehealth, and 64% could not maintain contact with friends/family.
• 20% were unable to work remotely or pick up shift work, and nearly 20% said their children struggled with homework.
• At least 80% of Lifeline/ACP subscribers live at or below the poverty line, including many homeless, retirees, and those with disabilities. 72% could not afford internet without the subsidies.
• 95% of subscribers cannot pay any additional monthly fees, and half are unbanked. 70% rely on ACP/Lifeline for healthcare access, and over a third use it for work, education, and community engagement.
• 78% lack consistent internet, with 20% accessing it through family, 27% using public WiFi, and over 31% having no access.
• 85% rely on mobile data, but fewer than 15% have unlimited plans due to budget constraints.

NaLA Chairman David Dorwart said the testimonies are "heartbreaking" and called for lawmakers to refund the ACP and fix the Lifeline program to ensure affordable access for all.

​Following Trump's second inauguration, Brendan Carr has taken over as FCC Chairman with a deregulatory agenda focused on broadband and telecommunications. A recent Sixth Circuit Court ruling blocked the FCC's net neutrality restoration efforts, limiting federal authority over broadband providers but giving states more regulatory freedom. This has led to initiatives like New York's low-income broadband price controls.

Carr may attempt to reassert FCC authority through Title I policy to preempt state regulations. With former Chairwoman Rosenworcel's departure, congressional staffer Olivia Trusty is expected to join as the fifth commissioner, securing a Republican majority once confirmed. However, most of Carr's planned actions don't require majority approval.

His agenda includes:
- Cracking down on Big Tech and news broadcasters
- Halting regulations on bulk billing and data caps
- Influencing the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program
- Reducing regulatory barriers in broadband programs and permitting processes

Trump has supported this direction with executive orders aimed at streamlining permitting processes, though a new NTIA administrator for BEAD remains to be appointed. Carr's Project 2025 chapter emphasizes the need to eliminate outdated regulations that he believes impede progress in federal technology and telecommunications programs.

The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation analysts Ellis Scherer and Joe Kane argue that the Trump administration should reject state BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) plans that exceed $1,200 per location in costs. They contend that expensive fiber projects are unnecessary when more cost-effective alternatives like Starlink and fixed wireless are available.

The proposal comes after NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) approved Nevada's BEAD plan, which granted $22 million to Beehive Broadband at an average cost of $77,013 per location. The analysts suggest that a $1,200 cap would cover a high-end Starlink terminal and provide a $25 monthly service discount for two years.

Scherer and Kane recommend using the saved funds to support programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). They argue that it's not too late to implement this cap, as NTIA has only approved three state BEAD plans so far (Louisiana, Delaware, and Nevada).

While some states prefer fiber for its superior speeds, the analysts argue that gigabit speeds are unnecessary for most broadband uses. They emphasize that low Earth orbit satellites are often the most economical solution for providing high-speed broadband to rural areas, even when factoring in monthly service charges.

The proposal suggests establishing an Extremely High Cost per Location Threshold (EHCPLT) cap of $1,200 for remaining states and territories. The analysts maintain that states can still modify their deployment plans to set more realistic cost thresholds, making broadband expansion more affordable while meeting user needs.

The data center industry faces a critical power supply challenge that may not be solved by simply waiting for new nuclear power sources, according to Neil Sahota, CEO of ACSILabs and UN AI advisor. He argues that energy consumption will outpace new power generation, and efficiency improvements in existing systems have reached their limits.

A December 2024 Grid Strategies report projects that U.S. data center power demand could reach 90 gigawatts by 2029, representing nearly 10% of the total forecast load. Improved energy efficiency might paradoxically lead to increased computing demand rather than reduced energy consumption.

Sahota proposes a radical solution: redesigning computing systems from scratch to minimize power usage and heat generation, potentially using AI to help develop these new systems. This view is shared by others, including Vaire Computing CEO Rodolfo Rosini, who is pursuing reversible computing as a solution.

However, this approach faces significant challenges. The financial burden is substantial, considering the hundreds of billions already invested in existing data center infrastructure. Dell'Oro Group estimates data center capital expenditure reached $400 billion in 2024, with companies like Microsoft planning to spend $80 billion on data centers in 2025.

Not everyone agrees with Sahota's perspective. Applied Digital CEO Wesley Cummins advocates for nuclear power as a long-term solution while focusing on utilizing stranded power sources, particularly wind energy in remote locations. His company is developing a 400 MW data center in North Dakota and plans expansion to Texas and Pennsylvania.

The debate is further complicated by government priorities, particularly in the United States, where technological leadership in AI development may take precedence over sustainability concerns. As Cummins notes, "The United States dominating in the AI race is probably the most important thing we'll ever do."