Welcome to Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) Public Policy Newsletter – your monthly briefing on FBA’s public policy work and developments we’re tracking.

FBA Signs Letter Urging House to Advance Broadband Permitting Reform Bill

FBA recently joined a multi-association letter urging House leadership to advance the American Broadband Deployment Act (H.R. 2289). The letter emphasized the importance of streamlining permitting processes to reduce delays, lower costs, and accelerate connectivity for underserved communities. The legislation focuses on clearer timelines, nondiscriminatory treatment of broadband infrastructure, and greater transparency, aligning with FBA’s ongoing efforts to remove deployment barriers.

The bill was expected to reach the House floor the week of April 20th, and while consideration has been delayed, stakeholders are continuing to engage with House leadership to advance the bill. FBA will remain actively engaged as the process moves forward and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Read the letter here.

FBA Engages State Leaders at NGA Broadband Summit

On April 20-22, FBA attended the 2026 National Governors Association Broadband Leaders Summit. The summit brought together dozens of State and Territorial broadband leaders, industry partners, and civil society. Over a day and a half of candid conversations, the group discussed how to best achieve success in the BEAD program, streamline permitting and other processes for infrastructure deployments, build robust partnerships with non-traditional broadband allies, and more. The FBA team continued to advocate for strong partnerships between our members and state governments while supporting common sense policies that promote the effective deployment of fiber broadband to every corner of the country.

FBA Joins Discussion with FCC Commissioner Trusty

On April 8, FBA attended the GlobalWIN Salon dinner featuring FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty. During this engaging evening of discussion and networking, Commissioner Trusty shared insights into her path to the FCC, highlighted her current priorities, including expanding access for all, and participated in an interactive Q&A session.

FBA Releases Digital Infrastructure Framework for States

FBA has released a new resource, “Digital Infrastructure Networks: Meeting the Broadband Challenge for State Governments,” outlining how states can accelerate fiber deployment to meet growing national demand. The report underscores that fiber is the backbone of the AI economy, enabling the high-capacity, low-latency connectivity needed to link data centers, cloud infrastructure, and communities.

To keep pace, the U.S. must scale fiber deployment by 2.3x by 2029, requiring stronger coordination across state governments, utilities, and industry. The report highlights strategies such as “Build Smart, Dig Once,” streamlined permitting, and the development of statewide Digital Corridors to reduce costs and expand access.

FBA emphasizes that state leadership will be critical: those that act can accelerate deployment and attract investment, while inaction risks falling behind in an increasingly digital and AI-driven economy.

Read the full resource.

FBA Hosts First Quarterly Policy Breakfast of 2026

FBA hosted its first Quarterly Policy Breakfast of the year in Washington, D.C. bringing together members, the Public Policy team, and advocacy partners for a focused discussion on the issues shaping broadband deployment. The session provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives, and align on key priorities, including BEAD implementation, permitting reform, and infrastructure needs driven by emerging technologies.

The series is designed to foster ongoing dialogue within the FBA policy community and strengthen coordination as the industry advances shared policy goals.

FBA Highlights Rising Upstream Demand in Broadband Networks

FBA convened industry leaders for a panel, “Capacity, Competition & Cash Flow: The Upstream Equation,” moderated by FBA President Gary Bolton and featuring Mark Trudeau (OpenVault) and Jeff Heynen (Dell’Oro Group).

The discussion highlighted a clear shift in network demand, with upstream traffic growing significantly faster than downstream as AI, cloud applications, and content creation reshape usage patterns. Panelists emphasized that upstream capacity and latency are becoming key competitive differentiators, reinforcing the role of fiber’s symmetric capabilities in meeting future demand.

Read more.

Congress – House Advances Broadband Bills in Busy Week for Connectivity Policy

The week of April 20 marked a busy stretch on Capitol Hill for broadband, as the House advanced a slate of bills aimed at accelerating deployment, strengthening oversight, and enhancing network resilience.

What moved:

• Rural Broadband Protection Act (S.98) – led by Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN) and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)Tightens vetting of providers accessing USF High-Cost funds to ensure financial and technical capabilities.

  The bill has cleared both chambers and now heads to President Trump’s desk.

• First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act (H.R. 7386) – led by Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) and Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL) The House passed the bill to reauthorize the nationwide public safety network and strengthening federal oversight.
• Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act (H.R. 1681) – led by Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO), Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) and Rep. Eugene Simon Vindman (D-VA)The House passed the bill creating an interagency “strike force” to accelerate permitting on federal lands.
• Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act (H.R. 1343) – led by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) and Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH)The House passed the bill directing NTIA to improve tracking and transparency on federal permit.
• Emergency Communications Package (multiple bills)
  The House passed several bills, including Emergency Reporting Act (H.R. 5200), Kari’s Law Reporting Act (H.R. 5201), and Mystic Alerts Act (H.R. 7022), focused on 911 reliability, disaster response, and satellite alerts.
• Rural Telehealth Reauthorization
  The House passed legislation reauthorizing rural telehealth grant programs through 2030.

Congress – Lawmakers Eye USF Reform Draft as Timeline Tightens

The Bipartisan, Bicameral Universal Service Fund Working Group is eyeing a draft proposal to modernize the fund in the coming months, though the window for action is narrowing as the election season approaches. Members involved in the effort expressed cautious optimism about advancing reform, but acknowledged challenges in building consensus on updates to the program, which supports broadband deployment in rural and high-cost areas.

At the same time, lawmakers remain divided on whether USF reform should be included in a broader Telecommunications Act rewrite or advanced as a standalone effort, with some warning that combining the issues could complicate progress.

Congress – Lawmakers Weigh “Multi-Bill” Approach to Telecom Act Rewrite

Following the 30th anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, lawmakers are beginning to explore whether updates to the statute are needed, though discussions remain early and largely conceptual.

House Communications Subcommittee leaders and stakeholders have suggested that any legislation action is likely to take the form of targeted legislation across multiple bills, given the wide range of issues under consideration – including AI, Section 230, broadband permitting, and Universal Service Fund reform. 

BEAD – NTIA Non-Deployment BEAD Guidance Expected in Two Months

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told lawmakers that NTIA now expects to release guidance on the use of roughly $21 billion in BEAD non-deployment funds within the next two months, following delays from an initial early March timeline.

The update came during a Senate Appropriations hearing on April 22, where members from both parties expressed frustration over the lack of clarity and pressed NTIA to prioritize broadband deployment in the forthcoming guidance. Lawmakers raised concerns about the agency’s discretion under the statute and emphasized the need to ensure remaining funds address unserved and underserved areas.

Lutnick indicated the agency is reviewing extensive stakeholder input and reaffirmed that funds will be used in line with statutory requirements, as policymakers continue to push for deployment to remain the central focus.

BEAD Progress – 54 of 56 States and Territories

As of April 29, NTIA has approved Final Proposals for 54 of 56 states and territories. While onlookers wait for approvals from California and Illinois, other states have already executed their agreements with NTIA, are beginning to sign contracts with the subgrantees who will deliver on BEAD deployment, and several states have started distributing funds for pre-construction work.

You can keep up with all the BEAD progress on NTIA’s dashboard here and see data as it becomes available on the FCC’s Federal Broadband Funding map here.

BEAD – States Urged to Maintain Broadband Offices Beyond BEAD

State broadband officials and industry leaders warned, at Total Telecom’s Connected America 2026 Conference, against dismantling state broadband offices after BEAD deployment, emphasizing that long-term oversight, compliance, and funding coordination will remain critical.

Officials noted that broadband expansion does not end with construction, pointing to ongoing needs around network maintenance, affordability programs, and future funding rounds. At the same time, states are preparing for implementation challenges, including permitting delays, potential project defaults, and workforce constraints.

The discussion underscores a broader takeaway: sustained state-level capacity will be essential to ensure BEAD investments translate into lasting connectivity gains.

BEAD – Debate Intensifies Over Use of BEAD Funds and Federal Authority

A new analysis from the Benton Institute is raising concerns that recent administrative actions tied to the BEAD program could be used to condition funding on state policies unrelated to broadband, including AI regulation. Critics argue that such actions may be unlawful or even unconstitutional, as they could exceed the statutory scope of the program.

The debate centers on whether federal agencies can link BEAD funding decisions to broader policy objectives beyond deployment, with opponents warning that doing so risks overstepping congressional intent and infringing on state authority.

The issue underscores growing tension between federal oversight and state flexibility, as stakeholders continue to scrutinize how BEAD funds are implemented and whether conditions attached to them align with the law.

FCC – Lifeline Reform Comments Due May 4

The FCC is moving forward with proposed reforms to the Lifeline program, with comments due May 4 and reply comments due June 2. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking takes a comprehensive look at the program and proposes changes aimed at strengthening integrity and reducing waste, fraud, and abuse.

The proceeding marks a key opportunity for stakeholders to weigh in on the future of one of the Commission’s core affordability programs.

FCC – Input Sought for Communications Marketplace Report

The FCC is seeking input for its next Communications Marketplace Report (CMR), with comments due May 21 and reply comments due June 22.

The proceeding will inform the Commission’s assessment of competition across broadband, wireless, satellite, and video markets, as well as barriers to entry and emerging trends shaping the communications sector.

FCC – “Covered List” Debate Expands as Industry Flags Cost and Scope Concerns

The FCC recent expansion of its “Covered List” of prohibited communications equipment to include certain foreign-made routers sparked broad implications for the broadband ecosystem. Debate is now intensifying as policymakers and stakeholders weigh both national security priorities and market impacts.

In a recent filing, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies urged the FCC to expand the list to include legacy equipment, arguing that limiting restrictions to new products leaves potential vulnerabilities in older gear and creates a regulatory loophole.

At the same time, the FCC has begun granting exemptions to certain router manufacturers, including Netgear, Adtran, and Amazon allowing continued sales of specific devices through October 2027.

Industry analysts, however, are warning of longer-term implications. New Street’s Blair Levin noted that recent actions targeting foreign-made routers could increase costs for ISPs and consumers, particularly given uncertainty around definitions, approval processes, and compliance timelines. The lack of clarity, stakeholders say, risks delays, higher deployment costs, and supply chain challenges.

Maine Governor Vetoes Data Center Moratorium Bill

Maine Gov. Janet Mills vetoed legislation that would have created the nation’s first statewide moratorium on new data center construction through 2027, highlighting growing political tensions around the sector.

While expressing general support for studying the energy and environmental impacts of data centers, Mills cited concerns over the bill’s lack of flexibility – particularly its failure to exempt a major redevelopment project in Jay, Maine. Instead, she announced plans to establish a council to further examine the issue.

The veto comes amid increasing scrutiny of data center growth nationwide, as policymakers weigh economic development opportunities against rising electricity demand and environmental considerations.

FBA’s Signature Policy Event Returns

Join the FBA team in Washington, D.C., on July 15-16, 2026, for this year’s Fiber Day on the Hill (FDOTH). FDOTH offers policymakers and Capitol Hill staff an interactive, educational opportunity to engage directly with industry experts and learn more about fiber’s role in expanding broadband access. The program will also include a dedicated fly-in, giving attendees the chance to participate in scheduled meetings with congressional offices.

FBA Brings Broadband Policy to Fiber Connect 2026

Fiber Connect 2026, the fiber broadband industry’s premier event, returns May 17–20 in Orlando, bringing together thousands of industry leaders, policymakers, and state broadband officials to discuss the future of connectivity.

As part of the conference program, a policy-focused session on Tuesday, May 19 – Broadband Policy Upload: Sustainable, Scalable Policy – will examine how government and industry can build durable policy frameworks, from planning through deployment, that connect the unconnected and support communities for the next twenty years.

More details and registration available here.