Government-owned networks (GONs) are an expensive and ineffective response to broadband affordability concerns. On August 31, 2026, the James Madison Institute released a policy brief outlining how municipal broadband projects crowd out private sector investment and leave local taxpayers and energy ratepayers footing the bill. In Ocala, Florida, local officials are proposing to spend an […]
Investment Reduces the Number of Eligible BEAD Locations
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law on November 15, 2021, included $42.45 billion for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding program, which was intended by Congress to deploy broadband to unserved and underserved communities across the nation. None of those funds were allocated during the remainder of the […]
World Wi-Fi Week Is a Reminder to Protect Unlicensed Spectrum
World Wi-Fi Day has been celebrated every year since 2007 on June 20, and in 2026, it has turned into World Wi-Fi Week. It was established to commemorate Wi-Fi’s ability to connect people and help bridge the digital divide as well as reinforce how Wi-Fi is used in homes, businesses, and public areas. According to […]
Broadband Continues to Be a Bargain
American consumers are worried about affordability, but their list of serious concerns does not include broadband. According to US Telecom’s May 19, 2026, Broadband Pricing Index (BPI) report, for the 11th straight year broadband prices have decreased and speeds have increased. It was therefore not surprising that the nationwide poll included in the BPI report […]
BEAD Renders USDA Broadband Programs Obsolete
Connecting unserved and underserved communities across the country to high-speed internet has long been a laudable goal. But after a May 10, 2023, Government Accountability Office (GAO) report exposed more than 133 broadband related programs across 15 federal agencies, now-Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr said that up to $800 billion was available for […]
Copper Wire Retirement at the Forefront of Next FCC Meeting
Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) has long called for the reduction of burdensome and outdated regulations, especially for technology and telecommunications. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been at the forefront of this effort, beginning with its March 23, 2025, “Delete, Delete, Delete” docket seeking comments on which rules, regulations and guidance should be eliminated […]
Copper Wire Thefts Continue
Despite efforts to reduce the theft of copper wire, incidents continue across the country. On January 23, 2026, three men were arrested in Broward County, Florida for allegedly stealing “tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of copper wiring and tools.” These thefts have dire consequences for telecommunications networks and every business and consumer that relies […]
First Year of Trump Presidency Achieves Dramatic Cuts in Federal Regulations
President Trump made it clear in both of his terms in office that the federal government must be more efficient, and that reducing regulations would be a primary tool to achieve this objective. In his first term, the intent was to eliminate two regulations for every new regulation. Executive Order 14192 calls for the repeal […]
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth Announces BEAD Savings
The Free State Foundation luncheon featuring National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Administrator Arielle Roth included some welcome news for businesses, families, and taxpayers. At the December 2, 2025, event at the National Press Club, which included comments and questions from former Federal Communications Commissioner Michael O’Rielly and Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) Vice President […]
FCC Acts on Another CAGW Recommendation
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues to move forward with its robust agenda to modernize regulations and clear the path for faster deployment and innovation by eliminating obsolete rules and regulations. At its October 28, 2025, meeting the FCC considered revisions to the Broadband Labeling rule. This rule was included in Citizens Against Government Waste’s […]










