America’s Internet Divide Exposed: The Truth About Access, Speed, and the Satellite Revolution
The BEAD program provides $42.45 billion in federal broadband funding administered by the NTIA to states to extend high-speed internet, with a 2025 policy shift to technology-neutral approaches that allow satellite solutions. The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a $30 per month subsidy and had about 18 million enrolled by 2023, with renewal funding uncertain in 2024–2025. As of May 2025, 95% of locations have 100/20 Mbps service available, leaving roughly 5% unserved. Fiber-to-the-home infrastructure was available in about 43–46% of U.S. areas in 2025, contributing to a national median download speed of about 242 Mbps by early 2024 (6th-fastest in