January 2026

The House Communications Committee approved the Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act (HR 2474). The bill directs the Government Accountability Office to study whether satellite broadband can be effectively incorporated into broadband projects supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission. The study will assess the capacity and cost-effectiveness of satellite broadband to support businesses and economic development in rural and distressed Appalachian communities. This legislation was introduced by Rep. Dave Taylor (R-OH).

Valley Communications Association is a Connect America Fund Phase II auction winner that was required to serve 100 percent of its locations in Nevada by December 31, 2025. Valley’s Total Buildout Target is 83, and its latest High Cost Universal Broadband portal submission for 2025 indicates that Valley serves 61 locations, or 73.49 percent of the required build-out locations. Valley notified the Federal Communications Commission that the company has not met its 100 percent service milestone and plans to come into full compliance in 2026. 

Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ space technology company, plans to enter the satellite connectivity arena with a new constellation targeting data centers, enterprises, and government customers.