May 14, 2025

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ACA Connects Members

Mediacom Communications Bringing Multi-Gig and Symmetrical Speed Broadband to Cedar Rapids, Iowa

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (May 13, 2025) — Mediacom Communications today announced the company has begun launching multi-gig and symmetrical speed broadband services in the City of Cedar Rapids.

Utilizing breakthrough technology to enhance the company’s fiber-powered network, Mediacom is creating a more responsive end-to-end customer experience that prioritizes faster upload and download speeds, uncompromised network reliability, safe and secure connections, and lower latency.

TDS joins forces with Digital Bridge to advance sustainability and expand digital access

(May 13, 2025) —TDS Telecommunications LLC, a leading provider of high-speed internet, TV, and voice services, is partnering with Milwaukee-based Digital Bridge to support environmentally responsible e-waste recycling and help expand access to technology for underserved communities.

Through this collaboration, TDS Telecom and parent company TDS Inc. will donate retired technology from its operations across the country to Digital Bridge, which securely sanitizes, refurbishes, and redistributes computers and devices at no cost to TDS or the recipients. The refurbished equipment is then provided to individuals, schools, and nonprofit organizations in need, helping bridge the gap in access to essential digital tools.

ACA Connects News

Member Advisories

FTC Issues 60-Day “Click to Cancel” Enforcement Delay

Agency States it Will Begin Enforcing Rules on July 14

On May 9, the FTC voted to delay the compliance deadline for the Negative Option rules (also known as “Click-to-Cancel”) by sixty days, from May 14 to July 14.

In a joint statement accompanying the vote, the three Republican FTC Commissioners explained that they adopted the delay to give parties ample time to come into compliance with the rules. The statement went on to note that “[s]tarting July 14, 2025, regulated entities must be in compliance with the whole of the [rules] because the Commission will begin enforcing [them].” The statement further noted that the agency will consider modifications “if enforcement exposes problems with [the rules].”

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Published May 12, 2025

BEAD State Reports Roundup - May 14, 2025 Update

States having broadband coordination meetings occurring or planned are: California, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas.  More details about the activities occurring in the states named above and those that follow can be found in updated state reports that are now posted on the BEAD State/Territory Implementation Tracker:  American Samoa, Arizona, California, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, N. Mariana Islands, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, and Texas.

Important updates in the reports include details about the Missouri Office of Broadband Development reopening of the BEAD pre-qualification process for Round 2. Applicants approved in Round 1 do not need to reapply. New Round 2 participants must submit their pre-qualification application by June 3, 2025. The Northern Mariana Island (CNMI) BEAD Subgrant Portal for Project Funded Areas will close on May 15, 2025.

Industry News

ESPN streaming service to cost $30 per month, bundle with other Disney streamers

Source // TheDesk.net

Executives at ESPN have revealed the price point for the sports brand’s forthcoming streaming service that will offer its live cable networks through the Internet: $30 per month.

FCC Opens Review of EchoStar’s 5G, Satellite Spectrum

Source // TV Tech

The Federal Communications Commission is moving to investigate certain 5G and satellite spectrum held by EchoStar and its satellite-TV subsidiary, Dish.

Ohio CWA: Don’t Use BEAD Money to Fund Starlink

Source // Broadband Breakfast

Communications Workers of America in Ohio are speaking out against using federal dollars to subsidize satellite Internet providers like Elon Musk’s Starlink.

Harmonic and Evolution Digital team to aid fiber deployments

Source // Light Reading

Harmonic today announced a new partnership with Evolution Digital, a global leader in advanced connectivity solutions, further expanding its roster of interoperable ONU partners and reinforcing the company's commitment to creating an open, flexible fiber broadband ecosystem.

Why Fox Keeps Investing in the Declining Business of Broadcast and Cable

Source // The Wrap

The television industry in 2025 is often summed up by two major trends: People aren’t watching cable like they used to, and nearly every network is struggling to attract Gen Z and younger audiences. On both counts, Fox has emerged as the exception.

Space debris crisis: the national security threat we’re ignoring

Source // SpaceNews (Opinion)

Today, Earth’s orbits carry over 100 million debris objects, which have already resulted in nearly 400 debris-generating events, according to NASA. In the last six months alone, space debris has crashed into Poland, near Turks and Caicos, and in Kenya.