Meta to Weave a Web of its Own: $10 Billion Investment in Undersea Cable Network
Meta Platforms is entering the world of telecommunications with a planned investment exceeding $10 billion to construct a privately owned undersea fiber optic cable network. This ambitious project, spanning 25,000 miles globally, aims to give the social media giant unprecedented control over its data flow and reduce reliance on traditional telecommunications companies.
Senate Unanimously Passes ACCESS Rural America Act to Expand Internet Access in Rural Areas
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the ACCESS Rural America Act, co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), to reduce regulatory hurdles for small broadband providers. This bipartisan effort seeks to accelerate high-speed internet expansion in rural communities.
Study Reveals Broadband Investment Could Bring Over $70 Million to Harlan County
A FarrPoint study, in collaboration with SOAR and Connect Humanity, shows that expanding broadband infrastructure in Harlan County, Kentucky, could generate over $70 million in economic benefits. The report emphasizes addressing affordability and adoption concerns to unlock the full potential of connectivity.
Oklahoma Ranked Fourth Nationally in Bridging the Digital Divide
Oklahoma’s efforts to expand high-speed internet access have significantly reduced the number of unconnected households and businesses, earning the state a top position in national rankings.
FCC’s Cybersecurity Proposals Put Broadband ISPs in the Hot Seat
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has introduced new cybersecurity measures aimed at safeguarding the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure following high-profile attacks by the Chinese hacking group Salt Typhoon. While the rules aim to bolster security, broadband ISPs—critical to the nation’s connectivity—face mounting challenges, particularly smaller providers with limited resources. Experts say the stakes are too high to ignore, as the industry grapples with escalating costs and tighter oversight.
Zayo exec says middle mile fiber frenzy won’t slow in 2025
Headline: Despite the uncertainty around BEAD, Zayo’s Bill Long expects state middle-mile efforts will keep ramping up.Article: We’re all waiting with bated breath to find out the fate of fiber […]
Expanding High-Speed Internet Access in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Despite ongoing efforts, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula continues to face significant connectivity challenges. Recent initiatives by both government entities and private companies aim to bridge this digital divide, bringing high-speed internet to underserved rural communities.
Challenges in Broadband Expansion in West Virginia
Efforts to expand broadband access in West Virginia face a critical challenge: the rules governing utility pole attachments. While federal funding provides a promising opportunity to bridge the digital divide, disputes over pole access and cost-sharing could delay progress and leave underserved communities waiting for vital connectivity.
North Dakota Opens Applications for Broadband Expansion Funding
Despite significant advancements in mobile broadband coverage, a substantial portion of the global population remains unconnected to mobile internet services. The GSMA’s “State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report 2024” reveals that 39% of people worldwide live within areas covered by mobile broadband networks yet do not utilize mobile internet—a disparity known as the “usage gap.”
Persistent Mobile Internet Usage Gap Hinders Global Digital Inclusion
Despite significant advancements in mobile broadband coverage, a substantial portion of the global population remains unconnected to mobile internet services. The GSMA’s “State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report 2024” reveals that 39% of people worldwide live within areas covered by mobile broadband networks yet do not utilize mobile internet—a disparity known as the “usage gap.”
