Electric cooperatives concerned with BEAD changes (fiber and pole attachments)

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Light Reading reports...

As electric cooperatives descend upon Washington, DC, this week for their fifth-annual Broadband Leadership Summit, they bring with them a number of policy priorities and concerns. Among those is their growing distress at the direction of the federal government’s $42 billion BEAD program.

“Quite frankly, some decisions have been made in the BEAD program that we are not happy with,” said Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), during a press conference last week ahead of the summit. NRECA represents the interests of the country’s electric co-ops, of which roughly 200 offer retail broadband service in the US.

There were at least two issues for the electric coops: fiber…

“We were pretty disappointed that the preference for fiber was removed. We think that shifts the program’s focus from what would be more of a proven, durable, scalable broadband technology. So we were not in favor of that decision,” added Matheson. The Trump administration stripped BEAD of its fiber preference last June, forcing states to re-do their bidding processes to instead award the lowest-cost bidders.

And pole attachment rules for electric coops…

In addition to BEAD losing its fiber preference, co-ops are also worried about ever-changing rules for the federal broadband program that make it harder for them to participate: “It adds to confusion, it adds to delay, it adds to cost. That’s been disappointing,” said NRECA’s Matheson.

One change of particular concern to electric cooperatives is the NTIA’s decision to impose FCC pole attachment rules on co-ops participating in the BEAD program, despite co-ops typically being exempt from federal pole attachment regulations. The FCC rules cap the rates pole owners may impose and set time limits on processing pole attachment applications. The regulation applies across the service provider’s entire footprint, not just within the BEAD-funded area.

National Skills Coalition asks small manufacturers about their use of AI and technology

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National Skills Coalition reports…

Over the past year, National Skills Coalition has spoken with nearly 100 small and mid-sized businesses on topics related to skills and credentials. (Some of our findings are detailed in Big Insights from Small and Mid-Sized Businesses.)

Many of those businesses are manufacturing companies that are on the frontlines of digital adoption. They shared examples of how they are adopting new technologies ranging from robotics to precision machining to AI and more. These businesses offer an important ground-level perspective on a broader national challenge: how to ensure workers and local businesses have the skills, support, and flexibility needed to adapt to technological change and share in its gains.

Insights from these businesses can help policymakers and advocates design flexible policies that equip workers and their employers to respond to the ongoing technological shifts in the US economy. Below, we describe key insights and policy implications associated with them.

I’m abbreviating the list to include only the insights, not the ways in which policy can help…

Leading businesses know how digital skill-building relates to capital expenditures

General digital resilience is just as important as particular skills

Interpersonal skills can amplify (or undercut) digital skills

Hands-on, experiential learning matters for digital skills too

AI can help to expand existing internal talent development resources

Jobseekers and educators can do more to communicate the relevance of tech credentials

OBD Broadband Update June 3: Line Extension, Task Force meeting and updates

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From the MN Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Line Extension Connection Program updates
  • Broadband Task Force, May meeting recap
  • OBD resource update, new Maps and Data, Environmental Permitting and Reports webpage
  • Broadband in the news

Line Extension Connection Program updates

The bidding window for the fast-tracked Round 5 closed May 22, 2026 and submitted bids are under review and initial award offers are being sent.
Registration remains open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the program. For assistance completing the application or to request a paper form to complete, please call 651-259-7610 or email DEED.broadband@state.mn.us.

OBD expects to announce a sixth round of the program with standard timelines using state funds later in 2026. More information and registration are available on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.

Broadband Task Force, May meeting recap

The Broadband Task Force met virtually on Thursday May 21 and heard presentations from two Tribal broadband experts on workforce development, supply chain issues, and broadband expansion: Godfrey Enjady (President of the National Tribal Telecommunications Association-NTTA) and Anis Khemakhem (Chief Commercial Officer at Clearfield Inc.). Additionally, OBD’s executive director Bree Maki presented updates on the Line Extension Connection Program and the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

More information on this and upcoming meetings can be found on the Broadband Task Force webpage.

OBD resource update, new Maps and Data, Environmental Permitting and Reports webpage

OBD has updated and consolidated resources on our webpage, including a new home for the interactive statewide Minnesota Broadband Map and new Environmental and Permitting Resources section on the Maps and Data, Environmental Permitting, and Reports webpage:

This page will be updated as additional resources are available, serve as a resource hub for archived broadband maps and reports, and works to meet accessibility standards for web content.

Please contact the office at deed.broadband@state.mn.us or 651-259-7610 if you have any questions or need materials provided in an alternate format for accessibility purposes.

Broadband in the news

Upcoming events of interest and recent broadband news to note includes:

  • Register today for the National Tribal Telecommunications Association (NTTA) Midwest Region Tribal Broadband Summit, June 22-24 at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, MN. The 2026 NTTA Tribal Broadband Summit is the premier national gathering where Tribal Nations, federal agencies, telecommunications experts, and industry innovators come together with a shared purpose: to accelerate broadband deployment and strengthen digital sovereignty throughout Indian Country.
  • Paul Bunyan Telephone Cooperative’s press release, Update on Broadband Expansion in Central Aitkin County and Gary Johnson receives Lifetime Achievement Award, congratulations to Gary on the recognition of his impact, including his time as CEO.
  • Congratulations to Bevcomm’s Director of Operations, John Sonnek, for 50 years of service and dedication to broadband deployment (pictured below).

How does you MN County rank for broadband adoption?

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Earlier today I wrote about BroadbandClusters.org, it tracks broadband adoption by state, zip and county. Actually, it tracks a number of socioeconomic factors as well, which is helpful but looking at their drivers for broadband adoption, I found that there were two factors that were more technology based:

  • No access to a device
  • Percentage of large screen device

So, I have tracked three things from the research – to make for easy ranking and to help counties figure out what they might be able to change:

  • Weighted broadband Adoption
  • Weighted Large Screen Availability
  • Weighted without Computer/Device

Below the ranking is based on broadband adoption, but I’ve kept the other factors as well. (You can access the spreadsheet.) It’s worth nothing that this is different than broadband access, which I track at the end of the year. These numbers look at how many subscribe to the service.

county rank of broadband adoption Weighted BB Adoption weighted Large Screen Availability Weighted without compute Device
Dakota 1 83.6 92.8 2.6
Washington 2 83.2 93.3 2.3
Anoka 3 83.1 90.8 3.03
Cook 4 83.1 91 1.8
Hennepin 5 82.1 91.4 3.1
Scott 6 81.3 93.2 2.5
Carver 7 81 93.9 2.2
Sherburne 8 79.9 92.4 2.4
Olmsted 9 79.6 91.6 3.4
Winona 10 79 87.6 4.5
Ramsey 11 78.5 88.5 3.7
Big Stone 12 78.3 85.3 6.5
Rock 13 78.1 87.4 4
Beltrami 14 78 85 5.7
Grant 15 77.3 83.9 6.5
Benton 16 77 88.5 4.1
Itasca 17 77 83.5 5.7
Jackson 18 77 81.7 7.4
McLeod 19 77 84.8 6.8
Murray 20 77 88.5 4.1
Nobles 21 77 81.1 6.4
Pennington 22 77 81.8 6
Renville 23 77 80.4 8.7
Stevens 24 75.6 87.5 3
Houston 25 74.5 83.3 6.8
Clay 26 74.2 86.4 4.3
Kittson 27 74.2 82.4 7.9
Crow Wing 28 74.1 87.1 3.6
Norman 29 73.7 81.1 7.5
Lyon 30 73.6 86.5 5.2
Chisago 31 73.5 87.3 4.5
Rice 32 73.5 86.6 4.8
Blue Earth 33 73.4 89.9 3.3
Polk 34 73.4 82.8 5.6
Isanti 35 73.2 85.8 4.5
Lincoln 36 73.2 84 6.3
Red Lake 37 73.2 81.4 9.1
Wright 38 72.9 89.4 3.7
Clearwater 39 72.6 79.4 11.1
Faribault 40 72.5 81.8 7.4
Hubbard 41 72.4 84.3 6.1
Nicollet 42 72.2 86.7 7.1
Stearns 43 72.1 84.7 4.8
Brown 44 71.6 83.6 7.9
Dodge 45 71.5 87.2 5.1
Koochiching 46 71.5 80.8 6.6
Douglas 47 71.4 84.7 4.9
Roseau 48 71.2 79.3 5.8
Pope 49 70.6 85.9 5.7
Steele 50 70.4 84.6 6.7
Goodhue 51 69.6 86.2 5.6
Lac qui Parle 52 69.6 81.3 10
Otter Tail 53 69.5 83.8 6.5
Marshall 54 69.3 79.9 7.8
Cottonwood 55 69.2 81.1 7.2
Fillmore 56 69.2 82.9 9.4
St. Louis 57 69.1 83.7 5.8
Chippewa 58 68.9 79.6 6.6
Lake 59 68.7 84 8.6
Swift 60 68.7 82.2 8.2
Cass 61 68.1 83.4 5.8
Lake of the Woods 62 68 80.1 9.7
Waseca 63 67.3 86.1 6.9
Wilkin 64 67.3 81.5 8.9
Mower 65 67.1 82.6 5.5
Pipestone 66 67.1 83.1 5.8
Yellow Medicine 67 66.9 82.8 7.1
Becker 68 66.8 82 5.3
Wadena 69 66.6 75.7 7.4
Freeborn 70 66.5 81.4 8.1
Mille Lacs 71 66.4 81.8 5.8
Wabasha 72 66.2 82.7 7.4
Kandiyohi 73 65.9 83.7 4.5
Le Sueur 74 65.6 84 5.5
Meeker 75 65.6 82.7 6.7
Morrison 76 64.7 80.9 8.6
Redwood 77 64 82.8 6.8
Traverse 78 63.6 74.3 12.2
Martin 79 62.9 81.3 7.1
Sibley 80 61.4 80.3 6.6
Mahnomen 81 61.1 75.9 8.7
Watonwan 82 60.7 76.2 8.6
Aitkin 83 59.9 80.5 6.4
Carlton 84 58.6 80.9 5.4
Todd 85 53.6 73.7 10.1
Pine 86 52.8 78.8 8.1
Kanabec 87 52.3 78 9.3

 

Broadband Clusters looks at broadband adoption by state, zip and county

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I learned about BroadbandClusters.org from the NDIA listerv. I’m going to follow up (very soon) with a look at the data by county – because I know we all want to know how we are doing locally. But for now, just the overview. Here’s the explanation shared there…

BroadbandClusters, a tool now covering 500+ metros and all 50 states that helps identify which ZIP codes have device and internet adoption gaps.

I wanted to share a few recent updates that I think will be useful to this community:

State-level explorer

I’ve heard from many in the NDIA community asking for better visibility into how rural communities and villages are affected by adoption gaps. The new State Explorer addresses this directly. You can now filter ZIP codes by concentration of seniors, Indigenous residents, veterans, children, race, and more. Set your threshold and only those communities surface, making it easy to compare how they perform against the statewide average.

Here’s the map and information for Minnesota…

I like the last graph and how is shows the correlation between various factors and broadband adoption. Many of the factors are beyond the scope of technology but the top and bottom aren’t. That seems like an area where folks could concentrate if they want to improve broadband adoption.

Continue reading →

EVENT June 17: AI Impact Hour for Nonprofits

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From Tech Soup…

AI Impact Hour for Nonprofits

Jun 17, 12:00 – 1:00 PM (CDT)

Events at TechSoup

About this event

This isn’t just another webinar — it’s a meeting with nonprofits from around the world coming together to learn, share, and explore how AI can support their missions. If your organization has used AI in any way (big or small), or if you’re just getting started, we want to hear from you.

AI Impact Hour is a practical, interactive conversation designed for executive directors, staff, board members, and volunteers who want to understand what AI can realistically do in a nonprofit setting. You’ll see simple demonstrations and real examples, and you’ll have a chance to share your experiences, challenges, and insights with the group.

What makes this different:

  • It’s for you  — small to large nonprofits from around the world
  • We want to hear from you — how your nonprofit has been experimenting with AI
  • You’ll learn from each other — not just from the presentation

Who should attend:

  • Nonprofit leaders, staff, volunteers, and anyone curious about how AI can support their work, regardless of experience level.

Would you like to be a guest panelist to share your experience with AI?

Email Aretha Simons asimons@techsoup.org and put “panelist” in the subject line.

OMB Proposes Changes to Federal Grant Administration – including BEAD

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The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society reports…

On May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposes to revise the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance. The proposals might be among the most consequential changes to federal grant administration in more than a decade, particularly in the breadth of its policy conditions. OMB is proposing to rewrite the foundational rules that govern how nearly every federal grant dollar—including broadband, digital equity, research, and community development funds—is awarded, conditioned, and potentially terminated. Every entity that receives federal grants or cooperative agreements—states, local governments, Tribes, universities, nonprofits, hospitals, and for-profit organizations—could be impacted. That impact includes recipients of broadband funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) (Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, Digital Equity Act programs), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (ReConnect), the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Capital Projects Fund), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (Universal Service Fund programs, including Lifeline and E-Rate). The proposed rule would embed the current Administration’s policy priorities—including prohibitions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities—directly into the terms and conditions of federal awards. The proposal would also significantly expand agencies’ power to terminate awards mid-stream, require E-Verify participation by all recipients, and shift OMB’s “guidance” into binding regulation. The public comment period closes July 13, 2026.

The article goes on to detail the proposed changes and highlight the potential impact on BEAD recipients.

OPPORTUNITY: Minnesota e-Health Advisory Committee is looking for members

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From the MN Secretary of State Office…

— The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State (OSS) is providing notice that various state boards, councils, committees, and task forces are accepting applications for open seats.

New vacancies are listed below. See the complete list of 498 seats on the OSS Open Positions webpage. Use the search fields on that webpage to find a specific board or position. Or click on the hyperlinks below to learn more about boards and their respective positions.

If position descriptions aren’t listed for the seats you’d like to apply to, contact the board staff for more information on member duties, qualifications, required application material, and more. See the Request Information section below for tips on contacting board staff.

Apply for a Position

Detailed instructions on finding a position, submitting an application, and related information are provided on the Boards & Commissions Help & How To webpage.

And the positions that I thought might be of interest to readers…

Minnesota e-Health Advisory Committee
Vacancies: 3 Seats — Academics and Research
Vacancies: 1 Seat — Community Clinics/Fed Qual. Health Centers
Vacancies: 2 Seats — Consumer Member
Vacancies: 1 Seat — Health Care Administrator
Vacancies: 1 Seat — Health Care Purchasers and Employers
Vacancies: 2 Seats — Health IT Vendors
Vacancies: 1 Seat — Health System Chief Information Officer
Vacancies: 1 Seat — Hospital Representatives
Vacancies: 4 Seats — Licensed Health Professionals (Physician/Nurse)
Vacancies: 1 Seat — Long Term and Post-Acute Care
Vacancies: 2 Seats — Professional with Expert Knowledge in Health IT
Vacancies: 2 Seats — Rotating Professionals – Additional Health Settings (Dentists, Pharmacists, Behavior Health Laboratory, Home Health, Social Services, etc)

Get more info

MN eNews June 2026: End of MN Legislature, figuring out funding

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MN Broadband Task Force May meeting: Native networks, Clearfield on BABA, data centers and OBD updates
The MN Broadband Task Force heard from the National Tribal Telecommunications Association on the Connect New Mexico Broadband Tribal Working Group and overview of leadership on the National Tribal Telecommunications Association 2026 NTTA Broadband Midwest Regional Summit as well as from Clearfield Inc.on workforce development and BABA compliance and its practical implications on broadband deployment. Data centers (including micro-scale data centers) and AI were hot topics in both presentations.

Rural broadband advocates in MN hopeful that new law will prevent missed future funding
The Minnesota Star Tribune tells of grant funds lost because of light scrutiny on applicants for federal funding, in areas such as Le Sueur County. Broadband advocates are hoping that a new law will help protect loss in the future

State News   

National News

Vendor/Technology News

Office of Broadband Development Updates and News:

Local Broadband News

Aitkin
Paul Bunyan Communication announces Broadband Expansion in Central Aitkin County

Iron Range
IRRR’s 2027 budget includes infrastructure/broadband

Scott, Waseca, Nicollet, Le Sueur and McLeod Counties
Mediacom Communications announces 5-Gig in parts of Scott, Waseca, Nicollet, Le Sueur and McLeod Counties

Southwest MN
Telehealth is going mobile in the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota

Superior (WI)
City of Superior (WI) expands ConnectSuperior broadband by 1000 locations

Twin Cities
Student works with seniors to create online world that merges current and historical look of neighborhood

Willmar
Groundbreaking for Willmar Connect, a city-owned, citywide broadband project, happened May 12
Willmar Council seeks bids to turn former wastewater treatment plant into the network operations center for Willmar Connect.
EVENT May 12: Windom City Council to hear Windomnet acquisition proposals

Upcoming Events, Opportunities and Resources

Telehealth is going mobile in the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota

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Yahoo News reports…

Telehealth is going mobile in the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota.

Federal funding is making it possible to install telehealth communication systems in 109 ambulances operated by 54 Emergency Medical Service systems serving 27 hospitals.

Each ambulance will be connected to an “hub” in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There, a team of board-certified emergency physicians, experienced paramedics, and nurses will be in virtual contact with the ambulance crews during emergency calls.

Simultaneously, the local hospital’s health care team and emergency room are connected as well.

“A major milestone,” is how Ann Jenson, executive director of the described the arrival of mobile telehealth to the region. Jenson was joined by representatives of state transportation and public safety services, the, Avel eCare, and health care staff with the in Dawson for a ceremonial ribbon cutting on May 27.

Some details…

A $9.9 million grant that was part of the $1 billion Biden-Harris Administration’s bipartisan infrastructure law is making the telehealth system possible. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar helped secure the release of the funding, and sent a letter to participants at the ribbon cutting applauding what she described as an innovative project.

The University of Minnesota will be assessing the new system during the upcoming years to determine its life-saving value and long-term sustainability.

The grant will provide funding for five years. The long-term hope is to find on-going funding to sustain it, according to Becky Vande Kieft, vice president and general manager of emergency services at Avel eCare.

The Daily Yonder looks at policy perspective changes of satellite

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The Daily Yonder reports on policy change that impact satellite…

In a proposed rulemaking adopted unanimously on May 20 the FCC asked whether LEO satellite broadband should be treated as a sufficient substitute for terrestrial infrastructure in the most difficult-to-serve areas, and whether continued support for land-based deployments in those locations constitutes unnecessary “overbuilding.”

In its proposal, the FCC claimed “nearly all” remaining U.S. locations without a fiber, cable or fixed wireless broadband connection are now considered to be served by “a LEO satellite provider.”

Many of those locations are in sparsely populated rural areas, where the high cost of deploying terrestrial broadband infrastructure has historically left residents with few connectivity options.

In its filing, the FCC reinforced its policy that “providing support in areas of the country where another voice and broadband provider is offering high-quality service without government assistance is an inefficient use of limited universal service funds.”

New report on impact of broadband access on modern life

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Public Knowledge has released a new study on the impact of digital inclusion and modern life…

This paper by Public Knowledge Broadband Policy Director Alisa Valentin, Ph.D., and UnidosUS Senior Civil Rights Policy Advisor Claudia Ruiz, reveals that affordable, reliable high-speed internet is a foundational prerequisite for participation in modern-day life. Unfortunately, millions remain on the wrong side of the digital divide.

Here are the key findings…

  • Consumers possess a sophisticated understanding of solutions needed to bridge the digital divide, but they face systemic barriers due to policies that prioritize concentrated wealth over community needs. False narratives and associated policies rooted in scarcity have diverted resources away from those who need them most.
  • The digital divide compounds every other challenge struggling households already face. Communities do not face barriers to broadband access and adoption in isolation. Instead, these obstacles intersect with challenges with housing stability, healthcare, employment, and education, which makes it imperative that these issues are addressed in concert with the closing of the digital divide.
  • Past policy approaches to closing the digital divide have failed to center community wisdom. Effective solutions meet people where they are so they are empowered to strengthen grassroots solutions, such as by embedding digital resources in frequently visited places or integrating digital navigation programs in existing areas of community support to meet their needs.
  • The Universal Service Fund must be urgently reformed to provide a robust broadband affordability benefit of approximately $40 (or more if someone is in a high-cost area or living on Tribal lands) that reflects the market costs and the reality of competing costs of household expenses.
  • Network resiliency must be strengthened by shifting high-cost program support toward operational expenses and network hardening.
  • Broadband adoption must be prioritized through sustained federal investment in digital skills, device access, and culturally responsive training and digital navigation programs.

Mediacom Communications announces 5-Gig in parts of Scott, Waseca, Nicollet, Le Sueur and McLeod Counties

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Global Newswire reports...

Mediacom Communications today announced the launch of its new 5-Gig Internet service, the fastest residential speed tier ever offered by Mediacom, reinforcing its continued investment in next-generation network capabilities to meet evolving consumer needs.

The new 5-Gig Internet service will be made immediately available to more than 500,000 homes passed nationally. Many Minnesota communities including Belle Plaine, Hutchinson, Montgomery, St. Peter, and Waseca will be included in the initial rollout. Mediacom expects to extend 5-Gig availability to more than one million homes by the end of the year as part of its multi-gig deployment strategy.

IRRR’s 2027 budget includes infrastructure/broadband

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The Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation reports their budget for 2027; it includes funding for infrastructure, which includes broadband.

Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The FY27 IRRR budget was approved. The $77 million investment strategy exemplifies IRRR’s unwavering commitment to fostering a more prosperous living and working environment in the Taconite Assistance Area. Strategic priorities and funding include:

  • Improve conditions for economic growth with $31 million of resources in community and workforce development. Funds include a $6 million program to promote the preservation, rehabilitation and investment in regional housing stock and neighborhoods with a focus on construction of new homes and/or apartment buildings.
  • Support public works infrastructure, broadband and business and industry with spending of $19 million. Infrastructure funding assists communities in modernizing, redeveloping and replacing foundational assets in order to attract business investments and expansion.
  • Invest funds in natural and recreational assets, Giants Ridge and regional trails to generate diversification and economic impact while contributing to the quality of life in the region.
  • Produce a fiscally sound spending plan that includes reserve funds for unforeseen future needs.

Community Networks offers a look at fiber in the US via Fiber First conference

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The Institute for Local Self Reliance (aka Community Networks) reports…

As reported by Telecompetitor, Bolton said, there are now over 1,500 active fiber providers operating nationally, with 42 new market entrants and 715 providers that doubled their footprints in just the past six months.

Meanwhile, he said, independent ISPs, electric cooperatives, and municipal networks together accounted for about 40 percent of all fiber deployment in 2025 – “a sign that the buildout is increasingly being driven by community-rooted operators, not just national giants.”

But the conference’s panel sessions made it clear that translating increased fiber demand into deploying networks is getting harder and more expensive, with one panelist describing it like going “from a sprint into a marathon.”

During a Broadband Breakfast Live event at the conference, Josh Summit, director of outside plant engineering and construction at Glo Fiber/Shentel, said that there has been a roughly 300 percent increase in pole make-ready costs over the past five years and that rural fiber deployments that once cost between $20,000 and $25,000 per mile are as expensive as $100,000 per mile, which he attributed to stricter pole loading requirements and “preexisting noncompliance being charged to new attachers.”

The conference also highlighted the mounting opposition and tensions related to the construction of AI hyperscale data centers, which panelists said are increasingly following cheap rural electricity away from traditional hubs like Loudoun County, Virginia while running into local opposition in communities across the country, as some states consider data center moratoriums.

Still, despite the challenges, there was an air of optimism from conference organizers, as the FBA said it is seeing record membership growth – up 16 percent year-over-year, with more than 8,000 broadband professionals now represented.