August 2025

Reps Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Josh Riley (D-NY) introduced the Middle Mile for Rural America Act, which would reauthorize the Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure program and help connect rural communities to high-speed internet. Rural communities often are stuck in between areas of high-speed internet access, and lack the infrastructure needed to connect to service providers. The Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure program provides funding for the expansion and extension of middle mile infrastructure across the country.

Oklahoma plans to return $225 million in federal broadband funds after shifting to lower-cost wireless solutions under a new federal directive, a move officials say will cut costs while critics warn it will leave many rural residents with inferior service and send Oklahoma tax dollars to other states. The Oklahoma Broadband Office says it can expand internet service using cheaper wireless options and doesn’t need all of the money. But some worry Oklahoma tax dollars will now benefit other states, while leaving many rural residents with subpar internet options.

A group representing big railroads in Virginia has regained its right to sue the commonwealth over a recent law that attempted to streamline broadband internet access. But it apparently does not want to do so, for now at least.

A faster and more reliable way to get online is being offered to residents of one Superior (WI) neighborhood, with others soon to be added. ConnectSuperior began making high-speed broadband service available to residents earlier in August with the completion of its fiber optic infrastructure, though the city itself isn’t the internet provider.