Welcome to Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) Public Policy Newsletter – your monthly briefing on FBA’s public policy work and developments we’re tracking.
As the first quarter of 2026 comes to a close, it’s clear that momentum around fiber broadband policy continues to build. Over the past few months, FBA has deepened engagement with policymakers across the country – from Capitol Hill to state capitals – while launching new initiatives like the Fiber Policy Lab to bring industry voices directly into policy conversations. Here’s a look at some of the key developments we’re tracking as the next phase of broadband policy takes shape.
Powering the Network (Out & About)
FBA Hosts Fiber Policy Lab in Indiana
As part of its Fiber Policy Lab series – held alongside each Regional Fiber Connect – FBA convened members and policymakers in Indianapolis for a Roundtable titled “Full Throttle Fiber.” The discussion focused on translating policy into deployment reality, advancing adoption, strengthening state funding strategies, and supporting workforce deployment. Participants also explored how fiber infrastructure is enabling critical applications across Indiana, including rural telehealth, precision agriculture, and other next-generation connectivity needs.
Featured Special Guests included:
Michael Aylesworth, Chairman of the Indiana House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
Andy Zay, Chairman of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
Jon Ferguson, Chief of Staff of the Indiana Department of Health
Andrew Brelage, Director of Broadband Corridors at the Indiana Department of Transportation
Megan Minor, Chief Broadband Officer of the State of Indiana
FBA also thanks Prysmian for hosting a live fiber broadband demonstration, offering policymakers and participants a firsthand look – and hands-on experience – with the infrastructure behind next-generation connectivity.
A highlight of the Indiana Regional Fiber Connect, was a fireside chat with Indiana Governor Mike Braun who joined FBA’s Marissa Mitrovich to discuss Indiana’s strategy for becoming a hub for next-generation technology investment. The conversation underscored the central role fiber infrastructure plays in enabling advanced computing, logistics, and innovation across the state.
Governor Braun noted, “As artificial intelligence transforms industries and drives unprecedented demand for computing power, states that invest in strong digital infrastructure will lead the next wave of economic growth.”
FBA Engages Rural Providers at Mid America Connect Summit
FBA was represented on March 25 at the Mid America Connect Broadband Summit in Oklahoma City. The summit brings together rural providers from across the Southwest to discuss how policy debates and business challenges are uniquely impacting the region. FBA’s Lukas Pietrzak moderated a panel titled, "So you built a fiber network, now what?". He was joined by leaders from the American Public Broadband Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Rural Broadband Association. The panel discussed pressing policy issues for fiber network operators including the future of the BEAD program, diversifying revenue streams, network modernization, and promoting adoption among users.
FBA Joins Five Nine Podcast to Discuss Fiber and AI
FBA’s Marissa Mitrovich joined Fierce Network’s Five Nine podcast to discuss why fiber remains foundational in the age of artificial intelligence. During the conversation, Mitrovich underscored that AI is accelerating demand for fiber infrastructure, driving the need for scalable, low-latency networks capable of supporting advanced computing and next-generation connectivity. She also highlighted the importance of workforce development initiatives like OpTIC Path, which are helping build the skilled talent pipeline needed to deploy and maintain the fiber networks powering the digital economy.
FBA’sThoughtWaves film is now available on Amazon Prime TV on Demand, in the U.S., UK, and Australia!
ThoughtWaves captures the infrastructure challenge of our lifetime. More than a documentary, ThoughtWaves uncovers the seismic shift that fiber broadband and the internet are creating – just like electricity drastically changed our way of life a century ago. Today, fiber broadband is an essential utility powering modern life.
Light Byte: Trend of the Month
Women's History Month
March is Women’s History Month, a moment to recognize the women whose innovations helped build the digital networks we rely on today. Among them is Radia Perlman, often called the “Mother of the Internet,” whose work on network protocols helped shape the architecture of modern connectivity.
Women continue to drive the future of broadband. This month, FBA Vice President Deborah Kish joined S&N Infrastructure’s Girl Power 2026 event at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Hudson, North Carolina. The program gives young women hands-on exposure to careers in the utility and broadband industries—from climbing poles to operating bucket trucks—showcasing the skilled workforce behind the infrastructure that keeps communities powered and connected.
As fiber deployment accelerates nationwide, expanding opportunities for women in the broadband workforce will be essential to building the networks of the future.
Policy in the Conduit (Policy & Regulatory Updates)
BEAD Progress: 53 of 56 States and Territories
BEAD implementation continues to move forward, with 53 states and territories now having their Final Proposals approved by NTIA. The latest approval came for Alabama’s $460 million plan, which includes 63 projects aimed at expanding high-speed broadband statewide. According to the state, 71% of projects will deploy fiber, with the remainder relying on low-earth orbit satellite (24%) and hybrid fiber-coaxial technology (5%). Comcast and AT&T are among the largest recipients of the funding.
State leaders say the milestone moves projects closer to construction as the BEAD program transitions from planning to deployment.
FCC Advances Copper Retirement Rules
The Federal Communications Commissionvoted at its March Open Meeting to streamline rules governing the retirement of legacy copper networks, part of Chairman Brendan Carr’s broader Build America agenda. The order simplifies regulatory requirements tied to technology transitions and copper network discontinuance, aiming to free up billions in capital for investment in modern high-speed infrastructure.
The FCC emphasized that the transition must maintain public safety safeguards and 911 continuity, while industry groups broadly view the move as an important step toward accelerating next-generation network deployment.
FBA welcomed the decision, noting that modernizing outdated copper rules helps clear the path for greater investment in fiber infrastructure capable of supporting today’s digital economy.
FCC Adds Foreign-Made Routers to Covered List
On March 23, the FCC updated its Covered List to include certain foreign-produced consumer-grade routers, citing national security concerns. Equipment placed on the list is prohibited from receiving FCC equipment authorization, which effectively prevents new devices from being imported, marketed, or sold in the United States.
The action follows determinations by national security agencies under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, which directs the FCC to identify communications equipment that may pose risks to U.S. infrastructure and supply chains.
The FCC emphasized that the update does not affect routers already approved or currently in use, and existing devices may continue to be sold or operated.
NTIA has delayed the release of its long-anticipated guidance on how states can use an estimated $21 billion in BEAD non-deployment funds. The policy notice was widely expected between March 6–9, but the agency has postponed the update as it continues reviewing stakeholder input.
The delay has drawn attention on Capitol Hill. Senate Communications Subcommittee Ranking Member Ben Ray Luján (NM) called for congressional scrutiny of the decision, while lawmakers from both parties emphasized the importance of providing clarity so states can plan next steps.
Stakeholders have proposed a range of potential uses for the funds, including permitting modernization, Next Generation 911 upgrades, workforce development, mobile connectivity, and digital skills programs. NTIA says guidance will be released “as soon as possible.”
Bipartisan Governors Request Extension for Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund
In a recent letter to US Treasury Secretary Bessent, a group of bipartisan governors from Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington called for the department to release guidance that allows for extensions to CPF’sDecember 31, 2026 deadline. The current deadline, set by the American Rescue Plan Act, requires funds be expended by the end of this calendar year. The governors are calling for a one year extension to allow states to properly utilize the funds for capital projects. FBA continues to work with the Treasury Department on the issue to ensure fiber broadband projects remain funded and are completed.
House Subcommittee Reviews the Telecommunications Act at 30-Year Mark
The House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee held a hearing on March 26 marking the 30th anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and examining whether the landmark law should be updated to reflect today’s communications landscape.
Subcommittee Chairman Richard Hudson (R-NC) emphasized the need for modernization, stating that “Congress needs to consider how we should modernize our communications policy framework to reflect the technologies of today in a way that will also work for the technologies of tomorrow.” Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) highlighted the law’s original goal of expanding connectivity, noting that “Congress intended the Telecommunications Act to ensure that all Americans have access to advanced communications services like broadband.”
Lawmakers indicated the hearing is an early step in what could become a broader congressional effort to reassess and update the nation’s core communications framework.
USF Contribution Factor Proposed at 37% for Q2
The FCC’s Office of Managing Director has proposed a 37% Universal Service Fund (USF) contribution factor for Q2, slightly down from 37.6% in Q1. If the Commission does not act within 24 days, the proposed factor will automatically take effect.
The contribution factor determines the percentage telecommunications providers contribute to support federal universal service programs.
White House Proposes National AI Regulatory Framework
The White House released a national legislative framework for artificial intelligence, calling on Congress to establish a single nationwide standard for AI regulation. The proposal argues that AI development is inherently interstate and warns that a patchwork of state rules could undermine U.S. innovation and global competitiveness.
The framework also links AI policy to infrastructure and energy considerations, encouraging Congress to streamline permitting for AI infrastructure and address power demand tied to data center growth. It further notes that federal policy should address AI-enabled fraud and online safety protections for children.
Industry groups largely welcomed the proposal, saying a national standard would provide regulatory clarity. Consumer and privacy advocates, however, criticized the framework’s preemption of state AI laws, arguing it prioritizes innovation over safeguards.
The proposal follows a December executive order directing NTIA to potentially curtail BEAD non-deployment funds for states with overly burdensome AI regulations.
New Mexico Launches New Affordability Program
In early March, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a bill setting aside $10 million to help low-income families afford broadband service at home. The program will be able to serve up to 27,000 families across the state and is supported by New Mexico’s Universal Service Fund. Learn more here.
Mark Your Calendar
Fiber Comes to Capitol Hill This July
FBA’s signature policy event, Fiber Day on the Hill, returns on July 16th, bringing lawmakers and staff together for a firsthand look at fiber’s role in closing the digital divide, strengthening local economies, and supporting the broadband workforce.
A Capitol Hill Fly-In will precede the eventon July15th, giving members the opportunity to directly engage with congressional offices on critical broadband policy priorities.
More details to come.
Broadband Policy at 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.
As Carsi Mitzner transitions to a new chapter, FBA extends our sincere gratitude for her exceptional leadership and dedication as a Public Policy Committee Co-Chair. Through her deep engagement — including her leadership within the State Policy Working Group — Carsi helped strengthen FBA’s policy voice and advance meaningful conversations shaping fiber broadband policy across the country.
Her insight, energy, and commitment have left a lasting mark on the association and our policy community. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and wish her every success in the chapters ahead.
We welcome your input. Send tips, highlights, and inquiries to Jeanne Le Delaizir.
Meet Your Public Policy Team
Marissa Mitrovich
Vice President, Public Policy
Head of Policy
Lukas Pietrzak
Director of Public Policy
States Relations
Tinae Bluitt
Public Policy Manager
Hill Relations
Jeanne Le Delaizir
GFiber Public Policy Fellow
Regulatory Affairs
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