Regional

Over the past 15 years, federal investments in regional innovation have catalyzed new coalitions and economic strategies nationwide. However, most regions did not receive funding or ongoing support. US Ignite created SURGE to help coalitions maintain momentum and find a clear path forward. The SURGE program, accessible at surge.us-ignite.org, is open to both existing coalitions and individuals interested in forging new cross-sector partnerships.

The fiber-optic race is on in Lake County (IL), or so declares at least one internet service provider building in the county, with the region proving a popular market that has seen a growing need for broadband internet. While there was a federal-level push under the Biden administration for high-speed internet access to be “fiber forward,” Lake County Board member Jennifer Clark said the Trump administration has shifted focus to include technologies like Starlink.

Nearly 3,000 locations, including homes, businesses, and farms in Truth or Consequences and Williamsburg (NM), now have access to high-speed fiber internet following the completion of a broadband infrastructure project funded by New Mexico's Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE). OBAE awarded Ethos Broadband an $8.5 million grant through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund to build nearly 50 miles of fiber in Truth or Consequences. The project will connect 2,932 unserved and underserved locations.

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) is proud to name 58 local governments as 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, recognizing their critical efforts to close the digital divide.  Representing 25 states, the 2025 pool of applicants is one of the largest for new Trailblazers, and demonstrates the ongoing importance of municipal, county, and regional governments in bringing digital opportunities to their residents. NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers has set the national standard for excellent digi

Western North Carolina faces connectivity challenges.

The Lake County (IL) Digital Equity Coalition is proud of the work it’s done getting vulnerable populations connected to the modern world, but uncertainty lies ahead for it and many programs as COVID-era federal funding draws to a close. The coalition is part of the broader Digital Growth Initiative, which came about when the Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan was passed in December 2023 through the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

The Texas Regional Broadband Program is coordinated by the Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) in partnership with the Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO), within the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA). This program will enhance the capacity of regional councils of governments (COGs) to spearhead regional digital opportunity strategies and local broadband planning.

After a regional effort to bring broadband to the lakes region west of Augusta (ME) fell through, the town of Vienna, population nearly 600, decided to go it alone. Around five years ago, major broadband providers, including Consolidated Communication,s declined to extend cables there, citing its small population. In March 2023, voters approved a municipal network. On August 1, 2025, Vienna Broadband will switch on for its first customers. It opens with new competition.

Surf Internet is kicking off construction of a new fiber-optic network that will bring high-speed internet to 145 addresses across the Village of Troy Grove (IL)––including apartment units, municipal buildings, businesses, and dozens of single-family homes. Construction is expected to be completed later in the summer of 2025.

BoomerTECH Adventures and Coastal Maine Regional Broadband (CMRB) held their first round of free workshops providing digital literacy training and education with the goal of helping Midcoast libraries and organizations support their clients to access and utilize high-speed internet effectively.