USTelecom urged the 120th Congress to take up broadband permitting reform, modernize the Universal Service Fund, and extend cyber protections for the networks that carry U.S. broadband traffic. The group framed the request in an open letter from President and CEO Jonathan Spalter and said broadband internet providers invested $92.6 billion in communications infrastructure in 2025 (via insidetowers.com).
In its letter, USTelecom said the policy agenda centers on three principles: build without barriers, keep every community connected to fast, affordable broadband, and protect the networks that connect people. The association said Congress should pair permitting reform with enforceable deadlines, reasonable fees, and streamlined environmental and historic reviews.
USTelecom also wants lawmakers to preserve policies that support private investment and competition, keep broadband prices affordable, and modernize the Universal Service Fund by broadening its contribution base to include large technology companies that benefit from broadband networks. It also called for a long-term reauthorization of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015, policies to address AI-enabled cyber threats, stronger anti-robocall and copper theft efforts, and flexibility for providers to defend networks against foreign adversaries.
The association said total private investment since 1996 has reached nearly $2.3 trillion. Spalter said Americans will judge the next Congress by the changes it makes, including more communities connected and faster, more affordable broadband.
What it means for U.S. buyers
For U.S. enterprise IT and network teams, the policy list points to two practical issues: whether Congress makes it easier to build or expand broadband-backed circuits, and whether the Universal Service Fund framework changes the cost base behind rural service. The cyber provisions also map to the kinds of network protection and incident-sharing policies that affect procurement and security planning.
Droam Perspective
For broadband buyers, this is less a market forecast than a lobbying checklist. The measurable points are the 2025 investment figure and the policy asks around permitting, USF contributions, and cyber authority; the rest is USTelecom pushing Congress toward a friendlier build environment.