Recent Internet Policy Changes | Allconnect

What is digital equity? Digital equity means having equal access to the internet and Wi-Fi technology across all areas, whether rural, suburban, urban or tribal communities, and at all income levels.  Digital equity aims to close the digital divide, the gap between areas with and without broadband connectivity.Studies have shown that race and income are primary factors in the digital divide, with children and students often the most affected by limited internet access.Recent changes to digital equity standards Federal broadband policies protecting consumer choice and net neutrality were revoked by Executive Order 14337 on August 13, 2025.

This action marks a significant change in the path for anti-monopoly boundaries and fair pricing practices.On this page, learn more about the impact of digital equity and what to expect as a result of the changing guidelines.On this page Why is digital equity important? Past digital equity initiatives Reversal of digital equity: What does it mean for you? Who is affected by digital equity changes? Where internet providers stand on policy changes Why is digital equity important? Digital equity maximizes access to budget-friendly high-speed internet.

Without reliable high-speed access, many people are left without a dependable and affordable source of information and resources.Here are three key areas where digital equity makes a positive impact: Past digital equity initiatives In the past, federal broadband policies supporting digital equity were centered around meeting people’s needs and protecting internet consumers’ financial and ethical best interests.Some examples of impactful and widespread digital equity programs include: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): This program offered home internet at subsidized rates.

Beginning in 2021, the ACP was crucial during school shutdowns, allowing students to remain connected to their education throughout COVID, until it was defunded in 2024 The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program: This key initiative was designed to build internet infrastructure across numerous states, primarily focusing on expanding future-proof fiber internet (since necessary speeds will only continue to increase over time) Broadband labels: Under the previous federal policies, internet providers were required to display a “broadband label” (similar to a nutrition label on food) that clearly showed nonpromotional pricing, upload and download speeds, extra fees, data caps and other important plan details that had often previously been hidden in fine print Reversal of digital equity: What does it mean for you? In summary, reducing consumer-focused policies may shift the balance of influence in the marketplace, giving larger companies more room to shape the future of internet connectivity.This shift toward pro-business policies may also result in:  Possible internet price increases Previous regulations prohibited a single provider from controlling too much spectrum (the radio waves that transmit internet signals) to prevent monopolies and encourage competition, which led to more reasonable pricing for consumers.Narrower range of consumer choices Former federal policy prohibited landlords from limiting tenants to only one provider in apartment buildings or multi-dwelling units (MDUs).

Delayed broadband expansion By restructuring BEAD policies, the thousands of workforce hours that have been spent in recent years researching underserved areas, applying for federal broadband grants and creating action plans will have to be revised, ultimately delaying infrastructure expansion.Change in broadband connectivity Expansion plans for fiber internet have been replaced with funding that favors satellite internet (specifically Elon Musk’s Starlink service).Who is affected by digital equity changes? In reality, everyone will be affected by these changes, though where you live will influence how quickly you feel the impact.

Communities that were close to getting new fiber infrastructure are now having those projects paused or changed People living in areas that were slated for fiber internet could end up with satellite internet instead, which offers slower speeds and higher installation and satellite dish maintenance demands Children, senior citizens and differently abled people could be negatively affected by delays in internet accessibility, since reliable internet is vital for education, telehealth services and financial resources (e.g., applying for food or housing subsidies) Where internet providers stand on policy changes In general, internet service providers favor these broadband policy changes, as they reduce regulations and oversight.While some ISPs contend that less regulation will enhance competition and consumer choice, in reality, the policy rollbacks will likely limit options.With fewer boundaries on the amount of spectrum that ISPs can purchase in certain locations will result in more areas with internet monopolies.

This means that switching internet providers will be difficult in places where there will be few, if any, other options.Less advocacy for net neutrality may result in consumers experiencing more speed throttling and potential site blocking.Finally, providers will no longer be required to have visible broadband labels with their internet plans, nor will they be required to report prices to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

It remains to be seen whether these changes will affect the cost of internet in the U.S., which already has the highest prices among the U.K., France, Germany and Canada.For researchers and journalists If you would like to know more about this topic, we can assist you.Our experts can help you dig deeper into the data.

Email our experts See Allconnect’s News hub for more broadband guides and information.What to read next Read more Featured Digital Divide – Resources for parents to help their children learn online Ari Howard — 3 min read Featured Allconnect’s 2025 broadband customer satisfaction report  Camryn Smith — 8 min read Featured Free and low-income internet options Robin Layton — 5 min read Latest Thursday, September 4, 2025 What recent internet policy changes may mean for you Lisa Iscrupe — 3 min read Thursday, September 4, 2025 How to switch internet providers and save money Camryn Smith — 5 min read Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Ethernet vs.Wi-Fi: Which is faster? Lisa Iscrupe — 2 min read