![]() 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.
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![]() 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:
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. The latest episode of Member Spotlight features ECC Technologies. Our guest, Mark Meyerhofer, chats with host Curtis Dean about their efforts to develop both middle mile and last mile networks in New York State and other areas.
Thank you to ECC Technologies for being a CBAN Associate Member! Check them out at https://www.ecctec.comwww.ecctec.com. ![]() 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." Registration Coming Soon!Your network plans face new realities. AI adoption looms ahead. Cybersecurity needs are escalating. Digital Adoption’s future is uncertain. Meet, talk with, and learn from fellow members, peers and experts across three tracks: NEW PATHWAYS FOR PROVIDERS Shifting funding, new deployment options, and rapidly evolving technology - how are you navigating? Learn what's working in communities that share your challenges and goals. NETWORK TRANSFORMATION Practical advice on AI integration and cybersecurity improvements that make sense for community broadband operations. DIGITAL ADOPTION Sustainable approaches to digital adoption that strengthen both community access and your customer base. Whether you're running a community broadband network, leading a municipality, or working for digital empowerment, you'll walk away with new ideas and solutions for today's challenges. No fluff - just practical strategies that work. Call for SpeakersThe Community Broadband Action Network and the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities are seeking speakers for our joint Spring Summit, April 22 and 23 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in Ames, IA. Submissions will be accepted until slots are filled. Adapt your talk from our wish list or pitch a new idea! We are seeking both presenters and panels, and can help you find panelists if needed for your session. You may also request to sit on a panel.
CLICK HERE to submit your idea! ![]() The Community Broadband Action Network (CBAN) is pleased to announce that co-founder Jon Willow has been selected as a 2025 Innovation Fellow by Michigan State University's Center for Regional Economic Innovation (REI). The fellowship will support Willow's research into leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the effectiveness of community-based coalitions, with a specific focus on Michigan's digital equity initiatives. Willow's research will examine how AI technologies can address critical challenges in coalition building and organizational collaboration. The project comes at a crucial time, as Michigan works to implement its recently approved Digital Equity Plan, which aims to address broadband access and adoption challenges affecting over 730,000 households across the state. "This fellowship represents a unique opportunity to explore how emerging technologies can strengthen community coalitions and improve their outcomes," said Willow. "While our research will focus on broadband initiatives, the findings will be valuable for coalition-building efforts across many sectors."
Through CBAN, Willow will tap into an extensive network of over 200 members and her numerous partnerships with Michigan-based organizations. Her expertise as a Certified Professional Scrum Master and her role managing data for CBAN's Digital Navigator Program—one of 18 selected for the National Digital Inclusion Alliance's pilot cohort—positions her well to conduct this innovative research. The eight-month fellowship project will examine administrative challenges facing multi-organizational coalitions, explore AI-enabled solutions for collaborative inefficiencies, and develop an ethical framework for AI implementation in collaborative settings. Findings will be shared through CBAN's platforms and presented at the organization's 2025 Fall Forum. New York's law requiring Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to offer affordable internet plans to low-income residents took effect this week, following a lengthy legal battle that concluded when the Supreme Court declined to hear the broadband industry's challenge after an appeals court upheld the law in April 2024.
The legislation mandates that ISPs provide internet service plans priced at either $15 or $20 per month for low-income households. The timing is particularly crucial as it coincides with the expiration of a federal FCC program that previously provided internet discounts to approximately 1.7 million New York households and 23 million households nationwide. Small ISPs serving 20,000 or fewer households can apply for exemptions if they can demonstrate that compliance would create an "unreasonable or unsustainable financial impact." Over 40 small providers who filed for exemptions in 2021 can receive one-month exemptions by filing paperwork by Wednesday, with longer-term exemptions requiring detailed financial documentation by February 15. Larger ISPs must comply with the Affordable Broadband Act (ABA) by January 15, 2025, or face civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation. The law applies to wireline, fixed wireless, and satellite providers. Several major providers already offer low-income plans, including Charter Spectrum ($25/month for 50Mbps), Comcast and Optimum ($15 plans), and Verizon (plans as low as $20/month). CLICK HERE for an in-depth story about the law at Ars Technica. Louisiana has become the first state to receive federal approval for its $1.355 billion Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding plan, to be implemented through the state's GUMBO 2.0 program. Governor Jeff Landry announced that this initiative will connect approximately 140,000 locations to high-speed internet through partnerships with 20 internet service providers, with 70% of funds going to Louisiana-based companies.
The program, administered by ConnectLA, is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including 8,000 to 10,000 new jobs and $2-3 billion in new revenue for Louisiana companies. ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar anticipates construction to begin within 100 days. Beyond infrastructure deployment, the state is allocating over $500 million for complementary initiatives in education, workforce development, healthcare, agriculture, and economic development. The comprehensive plan aims to transform communities across all 64 parishes by ensuring universal access to digital opportunities. |
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