January 2026

The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) announced legislation to authorize $10 million in broadband funding to help low-income families afford broadband service. State Senate Bill 152 was introduced by Sen Majority Whip Michael Padilla (D-NM) and prepared by OBAE in consultation with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC).

Sen Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led four members of Georgia’s congressional delegation in calling on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to release nearly $1 billion in already-approved federal funding to support increased broadband access and internet-dependent services in Georgia.

In the final weeks of 2025, the battle over regulating artificial intelligence (AI) in the US reached a boiling point. On December 11, after Congress failed twice to pass a law banning state AI laws, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order seeking to handcuff states from regulating the booming industry.

As Venezuela and Iran grapple with immense political tumult, Starlink has become a lifeline for internet access. Iranian activists have disseminated images of troops suppressing protestors by connecting to Starlink, while Venezuelans are relying on the service to get information on President Nicolás Maduro’s removal.