TruConnect Communications met with Federal Communications Commissioner Anna Gomez to discuss the need to reform the Lifeline Program so that it can deliver the connectivity needed by eligible low-income households to participate in today’s digital society, while simultaneously delivering broader societal benefits such as reduced Medicaid costs and better healthcare outcomes, especially in rural America and for Veterans, where and for whom, telehealth is essential to accessing necessary healthcare. TruConnect highlighted a recent Brattle Group report that demonstrated that the savings in Medicaid costs alone would be far greater than the expenditures associated with boosting the Lifeline support amount to $30 (i.e., the same level that proved effective in the Affordable Connectivity Program). TruConnect looks forward to working with Commissioner Gomez, the other FCC commissioners, leadership and staff, Congress and all interested stakeholders toward building an efficient, effective, predictable and sustainable Lifeline program.

In 2021, the Federal Highway Administration issued a final rule—the “dig once” rule—establishing new broadband infrastructure regulatory requirements for state departments of transportation that receive federal-aid highway program funding. These requirements included (1) identifying a broadband utility coordinator, (2) establishing certain processes to register and notify internet service providers and other entities, and (3) coordinating initiatives with state and local plans.

• Broadband utility coordinator. In a national survey, 46 of 52 respondents reported their state department of transportation had identified a coordinator.
• Registration and notification. Over half of survey respondents reported their state had fully established processes to (1) register internet providers and other entities, and (2) electronically notify them of the state transportation improvement program. A few respondents noted barriers to implementing the processes, including limited availability of experienced staff, IT difficulties, and challenges engaging providers in the processes.
• Coordination. In responding to questions related to regulatory requirements for coordination,46 of 52 survey respondents reported coordinating broadly with federal, state, or local agencies to facilitate broadband infrastructure deployment in federal-aid highway rights-of-way. For example, one respondent reported that the broadband utility coordinator and a county utility committee exchanged details on planned highway and broadband projects at the utility’s monthly meeting.

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).

Some rural broadband providers are early adopters of artificial intelligence while others remain skeptical—but NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association's Shirley Bloomfield says it’s clear AI is a powerful tool for the industry when used correctly. When asked if she is skeptical or bullish about AI, Bloomfield said, “I generally come down on the bullish side. I think there are so many interesting efficiencies that AI can bring.” Bloomfield said increasing efficiency is critical for rural broadband providers, and AI can play a role in everything from network design to customer service. Bloomfield touched on demand forecasting, terrain planning, and route determination, and said she was particularly interested in how providers are using AI for troubleshooting, cybersecurity, and customer experience.