September 2024

Lawmakers push to revive low-income broadband subsidy as providers pivot

Internet service providers including Charter, Verizon and Comcast are shifting customers away from the Affordable Connectivity Program, an expired federal internet subsidy that helped low-income households pay for broadband. The $14.2 billion program, which went into effect in December 2021, served roughly

California Public Utilities Commission Awards $91 Million in Grants for Broadband Projects Across California

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved $91 million in fifth round grants for last mile broadband projects as part of the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program, which expands broadband internet access for underserved and unserved communities across California.

Rep. Latta: Universal Service Fund Working Group Still not in Agreement After Fifth Circuit Ruling

Lawmakers working to revamp an $8 billion-per-year broadband subsidy still haven’t come to an agreement, said Rep Bob Latta (R-OH). The Fifth Circuit ruled in July 2024 that the fund in its current state is unconstitutional, which the government intends to appeal. The Capitol Hill group includes members of both parties and chambers of Congress.

Charter CEO Warming up to BEAD

Charter Communications' top executive appears to be warming up to the Biden administration’s $42.5 billion broadband expansion program. However, he said it will still depend on individual state rules. Charter CEO Christopher Winfrey has previously expressed disappointment with the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program’s rules around capped plans for low-income households and labor standards. He emphasized the company would stay out of states, which have some flexibility in implementing the program, where rules were unfavorable.