Broadband Nation

The U.S. government's efforts to scrub diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from public and private sector programs could have a chilling effect on efforts to recruit tens of thousands of telecom workers to build out networks nationwide, experts told Fierce. Though the telecom sector also includes wireless networks, broadband builds could be among the hardest hit by the administration’s actions. Why? Well, as New Street Research’s Blair Levin explained, DEI is actually an integral part of the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. It’s right there in the name. Learn about the impacts that the telecoms could face in our investigative article "How Trump's DEI executive orders could impact telecoms." https://lnkd.in/e4WKKbQj

Pretty much everybody at this point knows the U.S. is trying to close its digital divide with the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. But what about the rest of the world? Indeed, plenty of other countries have their own government-led broadband efforts, some of which were established years before BEAD surfaced. Fierce Network looked into how some of these countries are steering their broadband ship. Learn what we discovered about broadband efforts in China, Germany, India, and Mexico in "The state of broadband around the globe: what you need to know." https://lnkd.in/eDZmw82v

The clock is ticking until Donald Trump returns to the White House and appoints a new NTIA chief to oversee the $42.5 billion BEAD program. But instead of just waiting for the changing of the guard, the current NTIA crew wanted to set the record straight on the broadband technologies poised to play a larger role in the new administration. The agency on Thursday unveiled its final guidance on the use of “alternative technology” for BEAD deployments. In this case, alternative tech includes low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband and unlicensed fixed wireless access (FWA). When NTIA first introduced the idea of allowing unlicensed spectrum for FWA deployments in July 2024, wireless internet service providers (WISPs) were thrilled. Providers that use licensed spectrum, like the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), were already eligible to apply for BEAD but their unlicensed spectrum counterparts (aka a large portion of WISPs) were previously barred. Now, the NTIA has officially opened the doors for more WISPs to join the party. Per the new guidance, the BEAD program’s definition of “reliable” broadband service now encompasses FWA tech that uses not only licensed spectrum but also “a hybrid of licensed and unlicensed spectrum.” Learn more in our newest investigative article "With changes looming, NTIA sets the record straight on alternate BEAD tech." https://lnkd.in/e368YdwZ

Happy New Year to our Broadband Nation family!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family from Broadband Nation!

Broadband Nation Expo 2025, run in partnership with Telecommunications Industry Association, is heading to Orlando, FL! Join us at the beautiful Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate from November 17-19, 2025, for an event packed with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and innovate. 🌟 Here’s why you can’t miss it: ✅ Florida is a connectivity powerhouse with over 760 ISPs and thriving community broadband projects. ✅ Orlando offers affordable, direct flights from across the U.S. for easy access. ✅ The Omni Resort provides an unparalleled environment for networking, innovation, and collaboration. ✅ Our 1-to-1 hosted buyer program connects decision-makers like never before. ✅ We’re addressing your feedback with better value, enhanced activations, and a more engaging experience! This is your chance to join industry leaders, government officials, and innovators shaping the future of broadband in America. Don’t miss it! 📅 Save the date and stay tuned for more details! https://loom.ly/zf8YUNo #BroadbandNationExpo #ConnectivityInnovation

Much of the entire world now relies on the vast infrastructure that is broadband internet — be it for work, education, healthcare, emergency communication or simple entertainment. Yet for its central role in our daily lives, most people don’t really know what it is or how it all connects. According to High Speed Internet's survey of 1,000 U.S. residents, 80% of them don’t know how the internet works. Despite 74% of those surveyed believing they did, only 20% were able to actually explain it correctly. In fact, many of the surveyed (60%) still conflate the idea of internet connection and the digital labyrinth of the World Wide Web. Beyond a simple lack of understanding, the scale and complexity of physical equipment making up the internet’s backbone rarely enters the public conversation. But the real blind spot isn’t just the infrastructure — it’s the people. The massive, largely invisible workforce that keeps the internet running is as unrecognized as the cables and signals they maintain. Read more from: "Op-Ed: The word 'broadband' needs a facelift - here's why." https://lnkd.in/e5PM_Ggz

What an incredible workforce development milestone, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. (FOA) 🙌

While more people are taking notice of the stability and high pay of jobs in the trades, broadband isn't typically at the top of the that list. But it can be just as a lucrative as many traditional trades, as Chris Gemme from CommScope explained to us.  Many technicians can make well over six figures. He even cited one top-earner who made $175,000 by the month of July. "From January to July... that is a lot of money," reflected Gemme, adding that the technician planned to take the last quarter of the year off to do what he loved and spend time with his family. "If you wanna earn big, this is a great place to do it. It's a fun environment," Gemme said. "I just find it exciting every day." Watch the full interview in Broadband Nation's video article "Fiber technician - the lucrative trade you've likely never heard of." https://lnkd.in/ej6QXCx6

Is satellite broadband a reliable method of closing the digital divide? If you were to consult the BEAD program’s rules, the answer would be no. But Donald Trump’s second term could flip that equation if the new administration determines fiber is no longer the preferred technology. Elon Musk, who owns satellite broadband service Starlink, was just appointed by Trump to lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency” in his second administration. And Musk has a strong incentive to push for changes to BEAD policy, as New Street Research’s Blair Levin has said. A common critique of satellite broadband is its inherent bandwidth limitations. Learn more about satellite broadband and its limitations in our investigative article "Is satellite broadband good enough to deliver internet for all?" https://lnkd.in/eK-622b2