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Starlink Demands Less Oversight As It Receives Hundreds Of Millions In New Subsidies
Elon Musk’s Starlink is making new demands of states with an eye on eroding accountability and oversight, reheating concerns about whether spending big money on the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) network is the best possible use of taxpayer resources. Last week, Broadband.io and the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society obtained a copy of a letter Starlink parent company SpaceX sent to individual states, demanding freedom from state oversight and monitoring should they bungle installs or fail to deliver acceptable bandwidth.
New Mexico Completes First ARPA Broadband Deployment In Rural Chaves County
New Mexico’s Office of Broadband Access and Expansion has announced the completion of a landmark broadband infrastructure expansion project that delivered affordable next-gen broadband access to dozens of long-neglected homes in a remote subdivision in rural Chaves County. The successful completion of the Chaves County project is OBAE’s first grant project to reach 100 percent completion, and the first Connect New Mexico Pilot Program project funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund to reach the final stage.
Maryland Lawmakers Advance Broadband Affordability Bill Despite Federal Pushback
Two dozen state lawmakers in Maryland have signed on to the Broadband Opportunity and Fairness Act, state legislation that seeks to address broadband affordability. Introduced by Delegate Kris Fair (D-3A, Frederick Co.), the bill now has 25 co-sponsors and is slated for a Feb. 12 legislative hearing before the House Economic Matters Committee. Companion legislation has yet to be filed in the Senate, though Delegate Fair’s office says they are in discussions with state Senators about advancing a bill through that chamber as well.
ILSR, Tribal Nations, and Other Groups Call For Tribal Licensing Window in Upcoming Spectrum Auction
This week, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance joined with other public interest groups and Tribal nations to urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt a Tribal Licensing Window in the upcoming auction of Upper C-Band spectrum.
Vienna, Maine Looks To Grow Fledgling Muni-Network
Vienna, Maine recently launched its own municipal fiber network, finally bringing affordable next-generation broadband access to the small town’s 600 residents. The town’s focus has shifted to demonstrating the value of fast affordable access to remaining locals that regional incumbents are trying to lure away with temporary promotional offers.
New York Expands Its Historic Investment In Municipal Broadband
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a dramatic expansion of the state’s Municipal Infrastructure Program. It will result in an additional $36 million cash infusion for the growing number of creative, community-owned and operated fiber expansion projects in the state, as the existing program has already funded more than $268 million in assorted open access fiber projects across the state.
In Tribal Business News: Trump administration’s tribal broadband cuts, “reforms” raise red flags ahead of consultation
ILSR publishes new piece in Tribal Business News on how the future of tribal broadband has quietly but fundamentally shifted over the last few months. A recent announcement by the Trump administration upended the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, canceling over $160 million in announced grants and leaving nothing but questions about the hundreds of millions of dollars remaining in the program.
Lamoille FiberNet CUD Finishes County-Wide Fiber Deployment
Lamoille FiberNet's $24 million public-private partnership with Fidium Fiber to deliver fiber broadband access to nearly every deliverable address in Lamoille County has been completed. The collaboration resulted in the deployment of 550 miles of fiber, resulting in gigabit-capable next-generation broadband access being made available to 5,000 unserved or underserved addresses across the county.
Meet the Municipal Networks that Launched in 2025
In 2025, we saw seven new municipal broadband networks across the country that were lit up for service. As is usual, it was a mixture of partnerships, business models, and construction approaches to meet the unique challenges of a patchwork broadband landscape.
Kitsap PUD Continues To Expand Popular Open Access Fiber Network
Kitsap Public Utility District continues to expand its popular open access fiber network, bringing affordable next-generation broadband access to island locals. An updated KPUD case study indicates that the existing network is currently comprised of more than 900 miles of fiber, with 21 new distribution nodes coming online early 2026. That node expansion is being heavily aided by $6.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
AAPB and ILSR to Host Webinar on Legal Challenges Facing Community Broadband
The free event, featuring Keller & Heckman attorneys Sean Stokes and Casey Lide, will focus on the most pressing legal considerations facing community broadband projects, partnerships, and compliance. The discussion will be moderated by Sean Gonsalves of ILSR and Gigi Sohn, executive director of AAPB, who will guide the conversation designed to draw out practical insights for local governments, utilities, cooperatives, and broadband advocates.
Williston, Florida’s $4.6 Million City-Owned Fiber Network To Go Live Soon
The city of Williston, Florida is joining the ranks of municipalities across the nation that are building their own fiber broadband networks with an eye on ubiquitous, affordable access. City leaders say they’re preparing to launch a city-owned $4.6 million fiber optic ISP to break the local telecom monopoly logjam and finally provide fast, affordable access to the local populace.