Veterans

If the U.S. wants to lead in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, we need a connected, digitally skilled public. Building infrastructure is only half the equation—people need the tools, training and support to actually use it. The $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program is still deploying physical broadband infrastructure; without the Digital Equity Act’s companion $2.75 billion investments in digital adoption and skills, much of that infrastructure risks going underutilized.

This week, thousands of broadband industry stakeholders gathered at the Fiber Broadband Association's Fiber Connect 2026 conference in Orlando, Florida, to discuss the future of fiber broadband. The theme of this year's Fiber Connect, "Light Years Ahead," describes fiber as the conduit that "carries every part of life with it: faster learning, better health, smarter communities, [and] stronger economies." With this in mind, Fiber Connect attendees convened to discuss what lies ahead for U.S.

On May 6, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit vacated the Federal Communications Commission’s digital discrimination rules. The Court completely vacated the FCC’s 2023 discrimination order, which means it is the same as if it didn’t exist. The FCC is still obligated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to implement discrimination rules, so we can expect the FCC to restart the process. Any new FCC proposed rules will undoubtedly acknowledge the Court rulings. The natural question to ask is what the court order means in the market.

Inequity is not inevitable. It surfaces through rhetoric from leaders, personnel that mirror the values (or lack thereof) of said leaders, funding structures, policy implementation, and court decisions. In other words, inequity does not appear out of thin air. Inequity begins with an idea from someone’s imagination. It is only through power, resource allocation, and replication that an idea can take shape, gain traction, and impact lives.

A year ago today, President Trump abruptly “canceled” the Digital Equity Act (DEA) for being a “woke handout.” The DEA, created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, directed funding to states, territories, and community organizations to address the Digital Divide and ensure that everyone has internet-enabled devices, reliable internet service, and the skills needed to use broadband to improve their lives.

On May 6, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit issued a sweeping ruling that vacates—wipes off the books entirely—the Federal Communications Commission's final rules prohibiting digital discrimination in broadband access. The decision leaves millions of consumers—particularly those in low-income communities and communities of color—without the federal anti-discrimination framework Congress directed the FCC to create.

The loss of the Digital Equity Act impacted each of us differently. Some National Digital Inclusion Alliance affiliates had to scrap projects, others had to make hard staffing decisions and lay off staff, and some organizations have shuttered their doors. And yet, time and time again, our brilliant, amazing community of NDIA affiliates has demonstrated resilience and tenacity that humbles the NDIA team.

Adrianne Benton Furniss is the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society’s new Chair of its Board of Directors. Succeeding Austin L. Hirsch, Furniss steps into her new role after a ten-year tenure as Benton’s executive director ended in 2025. For over a decade, Furniss has focused the organization on ensuring that the benefits of robust, affordable broadband service deliver new opportunities and strengthen communities around the nation. In the past year, Furniss has focused on Benton’s community engagement and other education and outreach work in the Institute’s home state of Illinois.

U.S. District Judge John Bates declined to pause litigation over the Trump administration's termination of up to $2.75 billion in digital literacy and upskilling grants, rejecting arguments that a parallel case could clarify key legal issues. The plaintiff representing affected grantees, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, moved on March 25 to stay the case, contending that a forthcoming decision in Climate United Fund v. Citibank could resolve overlapping jurisdictional questions and help avoid duplicative litigation.

The 2027 Budget builds on the President’s vision by continuing to constrain non-defense spending and reform the Federal Government.  The Budget proposes a 10-percent cut compared to 2026 non-defense levels.