At the Jan. 5, 2026 meeting, community and economic development manager Hannah White told commissioners multiple federal and state awards and provider builds have reduced Haywood County’s unserved locations from thousands to about 120–131 remaining and urged residents to verify service on the FCC map.

The chair said the Data Bridge Act would direct the Federal Communications Commission to include agricultural areas on its national broadband map so policymakers can better target resources to underserved farming and rural areas.

Pfluger raises concerns over delays in broadband funding linked to federal requirements.

Board unanimously backs broadband plan and approves County State Highway establishment for funding.

Residents express frustration over inadequate broadband access despite proximity to major service providers.

Broadband access is essential for households, yet many rural areas still lack reliable service.

Local residents highlight dangers of inadequate cell coverage and urge for durable infrastructure.

Caroline County officials and iWISP outlined plans to connect 54 homes in Charlesburg excluded from earlier VADI funding, with contracts expected in May and construction hoped to begin in June; countywide projects face weather and permitting delays but remain on multi‑month timelines.

Vermont Community Broadband Board and Communications Union District leaders told the House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee on Jan. 29 that the statewide fiber program has reached roughly 315,000 addresses and that about 1,800 remaining locations lack access. Officials urged federal BEAD approvals and outlined affordability and technical steps to finish service to those sites.

Columbia County plans open access fiber network to connect underserved residents and businesses.

The Senate Finance Committee advanced a committee substitute for SB152, preserving repair and expansion funds and creating a state-run low-income broadband assistance program that could grow from $10 million to up to $45 million in later years; the committee recorded a due-pass on the substitute.

New Mexico shifts broadband deployment responsibilities to enhance connectivity programs

United Communications told commissioners it invested more than $60 million in Williamson County broadband, partly leveraging ARPA and state grants, and announced the county is now an '8‑gig certified community.'

County and consultant teams described a USDA‑funded broadband technical assistance study to map gaps, prioritize projects and produce conceptual designs and cost estimates by end of 2026 to support grant applications and local deployment in rural Santa Cruz County.