September 2026

The Rise of AI Companions

Among the 27% of U.S. adults who use AI systems for social, emotional and personal purposes, a third consider their AI as a friend. Many have other striking views:

  • 59% Agreed that “AI gives me the support I need”
  • 53% Agreed that they “turn to AI for advice on how to handle difficult situations with other people”
  • 50% Agreed that they use AI to “talk through personal problems or feelings”

Yes To an E-Rate Reality Check

For more than thirty years, American communications users—really, American consumers—have been charged roughly $1 billion to $3 billion a year to subsidize Internet and related services for schools and libraries through the government's E-Rate program, which is one component of what's called the “Universal Service Fund.” That is a lot of compulsory generosity. Yet only now are policymakers asking the obvious question: Is this money helping students learn—or is it doing harm? Some treat that question as out of bounds. It is not.

Four Principles for Communications Policy

Four principles have guided much of the United States’ approach to communications policy and have helped to enable the vibrant and prosperous digital ecosystem we benefit from today

Louisiana's BEAD broadband buildout set to complete construction for nearly 15k locations by early 2027

Broadband construction in Louisiana is advancing and moving quickly, with construction for nearly 15,000 broadband serviceable locations projected to be complete by the end of the first quarter of 2027 across 23 parishes. Nearly 1,800 miles of fiber are being deployed across the state to help Louisiana create the infrastructure needed to connect more communities and expand economic opportunities.

About half of Americans say they spend too much time on their smartphone

Just over half of U.S. adults say they spend too much time on their smartphone. About a third of adults say their smartphone use is about right, while just 3% say they spend too little time using these devices. Younger adults stand out for describing their smartphone use as excessive. Seven-in-ten adults under 30 say they spend too much time on it, as do about two-thirds of those ages 30 to 49.