ICYMI: The FCC Showcases the Narrowing of the Digital Divide in Its Recent Report
Sep 9, 2026
In case you missed it, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a report on August 14, 2026, detailing the rapid expansion of high-speed internet, which is “often essential to full participation in modern society — for work, education, health care, and nearly every other facet of American life.”
The report highlights the FCC’s success in increasing broadband deployment and availability to reach unserved and underserved Americans through expanded fixed and mobile broadband offerings, including the increased incorporation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband to finally reach every corner of the country. The report states:
“With the inclusion of satellite, deployment of broadband to the home or business appears to be virtually universally available to all Americans.”
But our work is not yet done. The narrowing of the digital divide is a result of promoting competition within the telecommunications marketplace and removing barriers to infrastructure investment. Fully and finally bridging the digital divide requires us to remove barriers to and encourage investment in broadband technology and infrastructure.
The FCC has already taken significant measures to remove barriers to broadband deployment, including unleashing high-speed infrastructure, ensuring U.S. wireless leadership, bolstering the U.S. space economy and streamlining outdated regulations.
From the report:
“The Commission is focused on delivering core objectives to accelerate broadband deployment and ensure that the U.S. leads the world in next-generation networks and technologies, including unleashing high-speed infrastructure, restoring U.S. leadership in wireless, bolstering the U.S. space economy, and streamlining regulations. Guided by principles of innovation, deregulation, and competition, with an emphasis on forward-looking policies as well as simple and clear rules, the Commission has undertaken the following significant measures since the 2024 Report to remove barriers to broadband deployment and drive economic growth in the United States.”
Universal broadband access can only be achieved with the deployment of a wide range of connectivity options, including LEO satellite broadband. By using every tool in our connectivity toolbox, we can ensure everyone, everywhere has access to the reliable connectivity they need to thrive in our 21st-century world.
Download the full report here.
Learn more about the CEC’s mission to connect everyone, everywhere here.