Capital Projects Fund

This summer, Oklahoma launched a statewide community access portal initiative, bringing private, internet-connected spaces to public libraries across the state. The program will place as many as 175 portals in libraries, giving rural residents a private space to access telehealth, workforce development, education, and other essential online services. The initiative comes as libraries have taken on an expanding role as community access points for technology and telehealth.

Federal broadband funding is doing more than expand service. It is also changing the competitive landscape in the communities receiving it. Nearly 43% of federally funded served locations in non-BEAD areas now have access to more than one broadband provider. That is meaningful progress for rural communities that have historically had limited choice, creating the potential for better pricing, stronger service and more bundled offers for consumers. A funded area is no longer just a future build opportunity. It may already be, or soon become, a contested market.

Kinetic announced a major broadband expansion in North Carolina, delivering multi-gig fiber internet to an additional 16,000 homes across more than 40 communities in the second quarter of 2026. The expansion highlights Kinetic’s commitment to delivering better technology, at a better value, for customers. In the second quarter of 2026, Kinetic added fiber locations in Granite Quarry, Concord, Indian Trail, Pine Bluff, China Grove, Tryon, Morven, Davidson, Kannapolis and more. A portion of these locations were supported by funds awarded to the State of North Carolina by the U.S.

Last week, we covered some of the broadband and digital equity initiatives launched by the states this summer. From digital equity resources in Louisiana to historic investments in broadband infrastructure funding for the Navajo Nation, here are some more notable broadband news bites we've seen from states and Tribal governments around the country.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, announced $1,492,571 in awards to 10 public and affordable housing organizations to help residents access the internet, learn digital skills, and make practical use of online tools in their daily lives.

U.S. states and territories are making progress on their broadband goals this summer. A number of state-run initiatives have been launched, and several infrastructure projects are in full swing. While it's easy to have all eyes on the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program—and, hypocritically, more on that later—there are countless other actions states are taking to ensure robust broadband access and universal digital adoption. From infrastructure planning to deployment to increasing awareness and resources, states are doing it all.

Louisiana has crossed the $100 million mark in GUMBO 1.0 infrastructure payments—a major milestone in the state's broader effort to achieve full statewide broadband coverage by 2028, two years ahead of the federal goal. Funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Capital Projects Fund, ConnectLA has distributed $102,308,955 to participating internet service providers, representing 83.9 percent of total GUMBO 1.0 awards.

Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA), the public agency expanding connectivity and digital opportunity statewide, announces $3.3 million in grant awards for capital improvements to make economic and social opportunity possible for individuals and communities through digital access.

The Oklahoma Broadband Office announced a new $14.5 million initiative to expand access to healthcare, workforce services, and digital skills training through Oklahoma's public libraries. The program will make up to 175 community access portals available to libraries across the state, creating new opportunities for Oklahomans to access essential services closer to home.