South Central Connect (SCC) petitioned the Federal Communications Commission for (1) a waiver of the FCC’s Connect America Fund Phase II Auction (“CAF II”) default rules, and buildout obligations that are based on the FCC’s use of Connect America Cost Model (“CAM”) data; and (2) revision of SCC’s defined CAF II deployment obligations and support as identified by the CAM to reflect the number of actual locations on the ground as identified by Fabric data. The FCC’s CAM-based estimate overstates by approximately 7.6 percent the number of locations that actually are present in the relevant census blocks, according to the most recent Fabric data. SCC’s inability to serve an inaccurate, overstated location count figure should not trigger monetary penalties.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved a historic $40 million investment in internet connectivity, announcing the New Jersey Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Equity Pilot Program grant awardees. These grants support critical broadband expansion efforts across the state. The approved investment will provide reliable, high-quality internet service to over 9,000 broadband serviceable locations across the State. Funded through the Capital Projects Fund, the NJBIDE Pilot Program is a competitive grant initiative designed to bring high-speed internet access to areas with limited or no connectivity. The NJBIDE initiative addresses the urgent need for expanded broadband infrastructure—enabling work, education, health monitoring, and other critical services that became even more essential during the pandemic.

The state of Oregon has opened its application window for broadband service providers and other entities applying for grants under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. The program is being administered in the state by the Oregon Broadband Office. Oregon has $689 million to award for eligible projects, defined as qualifying last-mile broadband infrastructure to unserved (25/3 Mbps or less) and underserved (between 25/3 and 100/20 Mbps) locations. A 25% match is required of projects. The application cycle will close on May 22 at 5 p.m. 

In early April, the nonprofit DigitalC connected its 4,000th Cleveland (OH) home to its wireless internet service, Canopy. DigitalC received $20 million in federal stimulus funds to expand local broadband access, though the Cleveland City Council was initially skeptical that the unproven nonprofit could meet lofty subscriber benchmarks. In January, the council's fears seemed to be warranted. DigitalC surrendered $1 million of its funding after falling short in 2024, connecting just 2,800 homes, well below its goal of 3,500. In a recent presentation to the council, DigitalC CEO Joshua Edmonds said the organization is now connecting homes at a faster pace and is on track to reach its 2025 goals—4,700 new customers. It connected 1,148 households in the first quarter of 2025.

A biblical tsunami of energy demand is sweeping across the globe and energy providers are fighting to keep their heads above water. Hyperscalers are poised to spend more than $315 billion on data center expansions, with more than 500 facilities in the known pipeline by Synergy Research Group’s tally. But even as this project tide rises, energy providers are still scrambling to build boats.  The U.S. Department of Energy noted in a December 2024 report that domestic data center energy use is set to jump from 176 terawatt hours in 2023 to between 325 and 580 TWh in 2028. That’s an expected leap from 4.4 percent of U.S. electricity consumption to 12 percent on the high end of the 2028 forecast. “Assuming an average capacity utilization rate of 50 percent, this annual energy use range would translate to a total power demand for data centers between 74 and 132 GW,” the report states.

Astound Broadband has introduced a pricing structure—including a price lock offer—that it says will “eliminate confusion, offer greater value, and give customers full control over their connectivity.” Highlights of the offer:

• $30 per month on Astound Broadband internet includes $10 monthly savings with autopay/paperless billing and a one-year price lock, after which the price increases by $10 per month
• $35 per month two-year price lock option with no contract required
• Speed options from 300 Mbps to 5 Gig with no contracts or data caps where available
• Additional savings when combining internet with mobile or TV 
• Self-installation at no extra cost 
• Free unlimited mobile line for one year via T-Mobile’s 5G network
• Use of Astound Broadband’s Wi-Fi or customer’s equipment at no additional charge
• $19.95 per month internet for seniors, veterans, and students