Digital Divide

In the absence of federal leadership on internet affordability, states have become laboratories of innovation. From low-cost plans to consumer protections to housing-based incentives, they are testing resourceful ways to help residents become and stay connected. States looking to take action should study their peers, many of whom are pioneering creative strategies to get more people online. Some state governments have long prioritized broadband affordability, while others are only now stepping in to fill the vacuum left by Washington.

Using Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence data, we analyzed mobile connectivity at 42 of the most frequently visited U.S. National Parks and found that in 10 of the most popular parks, the median download and median upload speeds of the three big national providers — AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon — varied dramatically.  In addition, we found that in some of these popular parks, low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite provider Starlink delivered median download  and upload speeds that were equal to, or better, than those of the big three providers. 

When it comes to improving the health and well-being of all people in Western North Carolina, expanding access to broadband is a necessary part of the work. Having reliable internet and the skills to use it are critical for every aspect of our lives—from accessing health care and landing a job to paying bills and learning new skills.

More than 36 Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program draft final proposals have been released by states and territories. In these plans, each state is deciding how to connect its un- and underserved locations before submitting its final proposals to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for approval. Through these draft final proposals, we are seeing how states have adjusted their broadband deployment activities as a result of the BEAD Program restructuring and the Benefit of the Bargain application round.

Experts say many Virginians still don’t have access to what’s called wireline broadband internet, like cable and fiber. Dr. John Horrigan with the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society told Virginia’s Joint Commission on Technology and Science that, based on 2023 data, about 800,000 Virginia households still don’t have wireline broadband internet. “Wireline broadband typically gives you the fastest speed with unlimited data, that enable people to do all the things online that policy makers probably care about. Work at home. Take a class online.

Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program draft final proposals continue to pour in as each state prepares to submit its final plans to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Each state is deciding how to connect its un- and underserved locations in what is called the Benefit of the Bargain application round. Today's edition of this series covers ten more states' draft final proposals.

On July 11, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) opened the required Benefit of the Bargain grant solicitation with the goal of submitting Massachusetts' BEAD Final Proposal by Thursday, September 4. The solicitation included eligible broadband serviceable locations (BSLs) and community anchor institutions (CAIs). The solicitation included required changes to the Subgrantee Selection Process. The grant application deadline was July 31, 2025. Public comment for the draft of the Massachusetts BEAD Final Proposal opened on Wednesday, August 27 and closed on Wednesday, September 3.

The Nebraska Broadband Office (NBO) is excited to announce its provisional awards under the Nebraska Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (NBEAD) program, a federally funded initiative administered through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This milestone marks a major achievement for Nebraska, keeping the state competitive and ensuring all Nebraskans have the broadband access they need to succeed in daily life and work, today and tomorrow.

Chairman Carr’s moves today are very unfortunate as they further signal that the Commission is no longer prioritizing closing the digital divide. In the 21st Century, education doesn’t stop when a student leaves school and today’s actions could lead to many students having a tougher time completing homework assignments because their families lack internet access. The Wi-Fi on school buses is particularly helpful for students in rural areas that face long, daily commutes.

Millions of students and seniors depend on hotspots and school bus Wi-Fi for homework and tele-health services. Now the FCC is moving to strip that connectivity away while doing nothing to make broadband more affordable. Their latest proposals will only widen the gap between those with access to modern-day tools and those left behind. We must all fight back against this level of cruelty and indifference by this Administration.