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Advocacy & Public Policy

Public policy advocacy is core to the work of the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) as we look to connect every American to fiber broadband. At both the federal and state levels—engaging Congress, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the White House, and key agencies—FBA leads the charge to overcome barriers and accelerate fiber deployment.

FBA and our 600+ members are dedicated to accelerating the deployment of fiber broadband networks—the essential foundation for ensuring digital opportunity today and in the future. Together, we share a mission to close the digital divide, advance smart policies that enable future-proof networks, and support the technologies that depend on them, including artificial intelligence. By expanding participation in the digital economy, strengthening communities, and driving innovation, fiber unlocks economic growth for families, businesses, and communities across America.
Read our 2026 Policy Blueprint

Policy Priorities


AI depends on more than energy, chips and compute—it also requires a massive expansion of high-capacity, low-latency, scalable fiber networks—connecting AI data centers to one another as well as connecting businesses and consumers. Without policy reforms that support deployment efficiency, and alignment across all levels of government, the U.S. risks losing its competitive edge in the global AI race. It is imperative that federal and state legislators explicitly recognize fiber as foundational infrastructure for AI when drafting and implementing legislation, permitting reforms, economic development packages, and utilizing non-deployment funds. Read more about fiber’s importance to AI and other emerging technologies here.


Modernizing outdated copper networks is critical to building a faster, more reliable, and sustainable broadband future. FBA is urging regulators to update federal and states policies to allow efficient copper retirements that will free up billions in maintenance costs and enable greater investment in fiber—reducing energy use, improving reliability and resiliency, and supporting the data-intensive infrastructure needed for AI and other emerging technologies.


Policymakers should adopt transparent permitting requirements, predictable timelines, standardized applications, and streamlined approval processes for right-of-way and locates. In Congress, the House has already advanced several valuable bills that can help inform comprehensive permitting reform and create a pathway toward improved national processes. Strengthening coordination across jurisdictions is essential to reducing delays, lowering costs, and accelerating both middle mile and last-mile deployment. States should be given the opportunity to utilize Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) non-deployment funds for implementation of permitting support mechanisms or programs that will speed broadband deployment.


Restrictive rules, shifting requirements, unclear technical standards, and burdensome state processes can stall construction and jeopardize awarded funds.

Program administration should be clear, consistent, and aligned with modern fiber standards to support efficient, on-time builds. Policymakers should avoid unnecessary barriers, uphold fiber-forward requirements, ensure predictable oversight, and harmonize state rules with real-world deployment needs to protect the integrity of broadband investments. Programs should also safeguard networks from failure, support sustainable business operations, and give states confidence that their investments will result in long-term, reliable fiber infrastructure. As programs are modified and new programs are created, prioritizing fiber for its long-term performance and reliability, consistent and transparent implementation is essential to delivering high-quality broadband to unserved and underserved communities.


The U.S. needs high-capacity networks to underpin AI, economic competitiveness, and essential public services. Policymakers must accelerate fiber deployment by addressing middle-mile gaps, workforce shortages, supply-chain constraints, and unpredictable tax structures that drive up costs and limit the ability of networks to meet rising demands.

Middle Mile: Policies and funding should support fiber-based middle mile upgrades, coordinated permitting across jurisdictions, and efficient deployment along transportation corridors, utility routes, and rights-of-way.

Access, Adoption, & Affordability: Millions of American households still face barriers to reliable broadband—whether because fiber has not yet reached their communities, affordability challenges persist, or gaps remain in digital readiness and device availability. Sustainable affordability tools, including a modernized Universal Service Fund (USF) and emerging connectivity assistance, are essential to support telehealth, education, remote work, public safety, and the AI-enabled services that underpin today and tomorrow’s economy.

Tribal Broadband: Improving broadband in Tribal communities requires permitting processes and federal programs that respect Tribal sovereignty, support early coordination, and provide the tools and resources needed for efficient, culturally informed deployment. At the same time, significant gaps in middle-mile infrastructure and affordability mean that sustained investment and clear pathways to funding are essential to ensure Tribal households can access and maintain high-quality, future-proof fiber service.

Taxes: Modernized tax provisions should support upgrading aging infrastructure and enable the deployment of the high-capacity networks required for AI and emerging technologies.

Workforce Training & Development Opportunities: A nationwide shortage of trained fiber technicians threatens the expansion of both broadband and AI infrastructure, with most current technicians nearing retirement and an estimated 180,000 new workers needed in the next decade. Programs like FBA’s OpTIC Path™ help train new technicians quickly. However, federal and state investment, along with stronger partnerships with schools, veterans’ programs, and workforce agencies, is essential to build the talent pipeline required to meet growing demand.

Policy Pressroom

View all official Fiber Broadband Association statements and responses related to Capitol Hill, the Administration, and key federal agencies such as the FCC, NTIA, and USDA RUS.
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On the Record

Read all Fiber Broadband Association filings letters and Commentary related to Capitol Hill, the Administration, and key federal agencies such as the FCC, NTIA, and USDA RUS.
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Last Mile Letter

A monthly newsletter delivering the latest updates and insights impacting U.S. broadband policy, so you can track FBA advocacy priorities & legislative developments, understand what’s changing, and stay prepared for what’s next.
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January 2026 Last Mile Letter
February 2026 Last Mile Letter
Special Edition - 2026 Policy Summit Last Mile Letter
March 2026 Last Mile Letter

Join the Conversation

Members can join our Public Policy Committee and help support smart policies and opportunities to build future-proof networks for education, energy efficiency, SMART communities, and economic opportunity. Contact our Vice President of Public Policy, Marissa Mitrovich for more information.
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