What in the world have I stumbled upon?
https://maps.giga.global/map
https://maps.giga.global/map/country/tc
And to think it all started with a search on power and how we are getting the higher prices & why?
My company has to buy from Duke
**Data centers (AI-driven) significantly impact NC electricity rates**, especially via **Duke Energy** (wholesale supplier to co-ops like Lumbee River EMC).
- Massive demand growth: Data centers could add hundreds of MW, equivalent to small cities; projected 8x faster load growth next 15 years, mostly from data centers (85%+ of new demand).
- Rate pressure: Experts forecast **8% average U.S. increase** by 2030; higher in hotspots (up to 25% in some areas). Duke proposes major investments (gas plants, grid upgrades) to meet demand, risking higher residential bills if costs aren't fairly allocated.
- Complaints: Reddit users blame data centers for spikes ($200–$400+ bills), subsidies favoring big users, and hikes (15% proposed 2027–2028, $20–$30/month adds).
- Lumbee River: Indirect impact via Duke wholesale costs; no direct data center mentions in hikes (mainly inflation, materials).
- Policy debate: Advocates push for data centers to pay their own clean power/share costs; critics fear residential subsidization.
Duke claims new large loads spread fixed costs, potentially lowering rates long-term, but experts warn of pollution, overbuild risks, and bill increases.
**Top 3 companies that control which power companies buy energy from** (major wholesale suppliers/generators in regulated US markets, especially NC co-ops like Lumbee River):
1. **Duke Energy** — Primary wholesale power supplier for many NC electric cooperatives via contracts and shared resources.
2. **American Electric Power (AEP)** — Major wholesale supplier for NCEMC (power agent for co-ops), including purchases.
3. **Southern Power / Southern Company** — Key wholesale provider for NC co-ops through diverse portfolio contracts.
These dominate via long-term contracts and owned generation; others include Dominion and PJM market purchases. In regulated states, utilities/co-ops often must buy from these large integrated providers.
Did you know this **G&T cooperatives** (Generation and Transmission) are member-owned, not-for-profit entities formed by distribution electric cooperatives to provide wholesale power.
- They generate electricity (own plants) or buy it in bulk.
- They build/maintain transmission lines.
- They pool resources for a reliable, affordable supply to rural areas.
Distribution co-ops deliver power to end-users (homes/businesses); G&Ts supply the wholesale power.
**Examples**: Tri-State G&T, Basin Electric, Dairyland Power, Oglethorpe Power, Big Rivers Electric.
There are ~64 G&Ts serving ~830 distribution co-ops nationwide.
I not only started down a rabbit hole, but I got caught on a root or two down it!
**Rural Utilities Service (RUS)** role:
Provides low-interest federal loans and grants to rural electric cooperatives (including G&Ts and distribution co-ops) for:
- Building/generating power plants
- Constructing transmission/distribution lines
- Improving rural electric infrastructure
- Ensuring reliable, affordable electricity in underserved rural areas
Administered by USDA; key funding source for rural co-ops since 1949 (successor to REA).
Did you know this:
**USDA broadband programs** (administered by Rural Utilities Service, RUS, under Rural Development):
- **ReConnect Program**: Loans, grants, and combinations for broadband in unserved rural areas. Invested $5.54B+ total; Round 5 ongoing (announced $476M+ so far). Key to closing the digital divide.
- **Community Connect Grants**: Grants for broadband in economically challenged rural communities lacking service; focuses on community benefits (education, health, safety).
- **Rural Broadband Loans/Loan Guarantees (Farm Bill Broadband Program)**: Loans/guarantees for the construction/improvement of broadband facilities in eligible rural areas.
- **Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA)**: Cooperative agreements for training/technical help to expand broadband.
- **Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants**: Supports telecom for education/health in remote rural areas.
- **Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans/Guarantees**: Financing for telephone/broadband expansion; eligible: nonprofits, tribes, co-ops, etc.
Encourages rural/tribal investments; apply via rd.usda.gov or usda.gov/reconnect. FY2026 funding under debate (advocates push for continued support).
Oh there is so much more...
**FCC rural broadband initiatives** (key ongoing as of 2026):
- **Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF)**: Provides $20.4B (Phase I: $9.2B awarded) for high-speed fixed broadband/voice in unserved rural areas via reverse auctions. Deployment milestones continue (e.g., 60% by end-2026 for many); testing waivers in early 2026; some defaults ($3B+); monitored via Rural Broadband Accountability Plan.
- **Connect America Fund (CAF)**: Legacy program funding rural broadband; includes Enhanced A-CAM ($18B+ authorized) for carriers to deploy to rural locations (50% by 2026, 100% by 2028 possible extension).
- **5G Fund**: Up to $9B proposed for 5G mobile in rural areas lacking deployment.
FCC focuses on Universal Service Fund high-cost support, accountability (audits, performance testing), and coordination with NTIA/USDA programs like BEAD (NTIA-led, $42.45B for states; many final proposals approved, builds starting early 2026). Check fcc.gov/broadband or fcc.gov/auctions/ruralbroadbandauctions for updates.
and....
**BEAD Program (Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment)**: $42.45B federal grant (IIJA) to connect unserved/underserved Americans to high-speed internet via state/territory infrastructure builds, adoption, and mapping.
**Key details (as of Jan 2026)**: Administered by NTIA; 42/56 states/territories have approved Final Proposals; construction starting early-mid 2026 in many areas.
**North Carolina specifics**: Allocated $1.53B. NTIA approved Final Proposal Dec 2025; initial $300M+ for projects serving 93K+ locations (homes/businesses/CAIs); projects launch mid-2026. $670M ARP funds connect 250K+ by end-2026; >$1B remaining.
**Status**: Progressing with deployments; some policy changes (e.g., Benefit of the Bargain reforms) for efficiency/lower costs. Check ncbroadband.gov or ntia.gov for updates.
Let's head out to California.
**BEAD** (federal, $42.45B nationwide) vs. **California's state programs** (e.g., SB 156 Broadband Infrastructure Package):
- **BEAD**: Federal grant; California allocation ~$1.86B. Administered by CPUC; focuses on last-mile deployment to unserved/underserved locations via competitive subgrantee process, challenge maps, affordability standards, technology-neutral, 25% match required. Deployments starting mid-2026+; prioritizes fiber but allows alternatives.
- **California state programs** (pre-BEAD, largely state-funded via surcharges/ARPA):
- Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative: $3.25B+ (SB 156, 2021) for open-access statewide fiber backbone (~10,000 miles planned) to enable last-mile providers.
- Last-mile: $2B Federal Funding Account (state-administered) for infrastructure.
- Other: CASF (surcharge-funded grants/loans), $750M Loan Loss Reserve. Total state investment ~$6–7B pre-BEAD.
**Key differences**: BEAD is federal, nationwide, last-mile focused with strict rules (e.g., labor, climate); California's programs are state-led, emphasize open-access middle-mile backbone as foundation, supplement BEAD (e.g., middle-mile supports BEAD projects). California integrates both for broader coverage.
Or NYC?
**New York's broadband initiatives** (as of Jan 2026):
**ConnectALL** (main statewide program, >$1B total investment):
- Oversees digital infrastructure, affordability, equity.
- **Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP)**: Up to $36M new round (Jan 2026) for open-access/public broadband; $268M+ committed to date (2,300+ miles fiber, 68 wireless hubs, 96K+ locations). Applications rolling through Apr 30, 2026; projects complete by Dec 31, 2026.
- **Affordable Housing Connectivity Program**: $13.1M+ awards for low-income/public housing (e.g., $10–$30/month locked rates through 2034); targets 100K homes.
- **Deployment Program (BEAD-funded)**: $664.6M federal allocation; focus on unserved/underserved via fiber/wireless; challenge process complete, awards proposed for remaining locations.
- Other: Digital Equity ($50M+), Affordable Broadband Act ($15–$20/month low-income), mobile/wireless expansion.
Goals: Universal high-speed access, competition, affordability. Check broadband.ny.gov for updates.
More on CA...
**California broadband initiatives** (as of Jan 2026):
- **Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative** (SB 156): $3.25B+ for statewide open-access fiber backbone (~10,000 miles planned/completed portions); enables last-mile providers.
- **Federal Funding Account** (state-administered): $2B for last-mile infrastructure grants/loans.
- **California Advanced Services Fund (CASF)**: Ongoing surcharge-funded grants/loans for unserved/underserved areas.
- **BEAD Program**: ~$1.86B federal allocation; CPUC administering; challenge process done, subgrantee awards starting mid-2026; prioritizes fiber.
- **Loan Loss Reserve**: $750M to reduce risk for providers.
Total state/federal investment: $6–8B+. Focus: universal access, competition, affordability. Check cpuc.ca.gov/broadband or broadbandforall.cdt.ca.gov.
**California Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative** (SB 156, 2021):
- **Funding**: $3.25B+ (state budget + federal funds).
- **Goal**: Build statewide open-access fiber backbone (~10,000 miles planned).
- **Status** (Jan 2026): Thousands of miles completed/operational; connects rural/urban areas, enables last-mile providers.
- **Key features**: Open-access (any provider can connect), public-private partnerships, supports BEAD last-mile projects.
- **Administered by**: California Department of Technology (CDT) + CPUC oversight.
Check broadbandforall.cdt.ca.gov for maps, progress, and details.
until now...
**Latest progress updates** (as of mid-Jan 2026):
**California Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative**: >65% of network at pre-construction/construction/lease milestones (ahead of schedule). Activation starts early 2026; full deployment by Dec 2026. ~8,300 miles planned (down from 10,000 due to adjustments).
**New York ConnectALL**: MIP reopened Jan 12, 2026; up to $36M available (rolling apps through Apr 30, 2026; complete by Dec 31, 2026). To date: $268M+ funded, 2,300+ miles fiber, 68 wireless hubs, 96K+ locations served.
**North Carolina BEAD**: Final Proposal/awards approved Dec 2025; >$300M unlocked for 93K+ locations. Projects launch mid-2026; >$1B remaining from $1.53B allocation. ARP funds connect 250K+ by end-2026.
**National BEAD**: 42/56 states/territories Final Proposals approved (Jan 2026). Deployments ramping up mid-2026+.
**RDOF (FCC)**: Testing waivers Q1-Q2 2026 due to HUBB transition; many defaults ongoing (~$3B+).
I dug some more... Billions of dollars!!!
**BEAD Program nationwide (Jan 2026)**: $42.45B federal funding. 42/56 states/territories have Final Proposals approved by NTIA. Deployments starting mid-2026 in approved states; many expect construction early-mid 2026.
Detailed state-by-state breakdown not feasible in brief format due to 50+ variations. Key highlights/examples:
- **Texas**: $3.31B (largest); Final Proposal approved Nov 2025; projects start summer 2026; mix fiber/satellite/fixed wireless.
- **California**: ~$1.86B; Final Proposal status pending/in review; integrates with state Middle-Mile ($3.25B+ backbone).
- **North Carolina**: $1.53B; Final Proposal approved Dec 2025; >$300M for 93K+ locations; launches mid-2026.
- **Louisiana**: ~$1.3B; early approval (revised); 80% fiber; shovels expected early 2026.
- **New York**: $664.6M BEAD + state ConnectALL (> $1B total); MIP $36M round open; fiber/wireless focus.
For full list/allocations/status: Check NTIA dashboard (ntia.gov) or state broadband offices. Progress varies; most states are in the subgrantee/award phase. First builds ramping in 2026.
A few other roots caught me again...
**FCC Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)**: Ended April 2024 after Congress provided no further funding. Provided $30/month discount ($75 on tribal lands) for low-income households. Served 23M+ households at peak. No replacement program as of Jan 2026; some states offer limited alternatives. Check fcc.gov/acp for archives.
**North Carolina ACP alternatives** (post-2024 end):
- **Federal Lifeline Program**: Up to $9.25/month discount on phone or home internet for low-income households (eligibility: ≤135% federal poverty level or programs like SNAP/Medicaid).
- **ISP low-cost plans**:
- Spectrum Internet Assist: Low-cost broadband (e.g., ~$15–$30/month historically for eligible low-income; check current via provider).
- Other providers (e.g., AT&T, Frontier): Offer affordable plans; contact for eligibility.
- No statewide NC subsidy program replaces ACP's $30/month discount as of 2026.
- Connect to provider low-income options directly.
Check lifelinesupport.org or your ISP for details. No major state replacement exists.
So, being who I am, I asked this: "So, what happened to the Free Broadband for everyone that politicians ran on?" And @grok being you... I got this.
**"Free broadband for everyone"** was never fully promised or funded as truly free universal service.
- The **Affordable Connectivity Program** (ACP, $30/month discount for low-income) ended in April 2024 due to exhausted funding; Congress (bipartisan inaction) didn't extend it.
- **BEAD** ($42.45B infrastructure) aimed at universal access but focuses on building networks in unserved areas, not free service—requires low-cost options (~$30/month max), deployments only starting mid-2026+ under reforms.
- Politicians (Biden era) touted "internet for all" via subsidies/infrastructure; progress delayed, no connections yet from BEAD as of late 2025, with the Trump admin removing "burdens" for faster rollout.
- No true free universal broadband exists; relies on subsidies (Lifeline ~$9.25/month), ISP low-cost plans, or future builds. Promises outpaced funding/reality.
I then asked about Global free internet initiatives...
Major global free/affordable internet initiatives:
- **Edison Alliance (World Economic Forum)**: Connected 1B to digital services (health, education) by 2025; ongoing expansions.
- **Giga (UNICEF-ITU)**: Connects schools worldwide to internet; 7.79M students served.
- **Internet Society BOLT Grants**: Funds projects in Kenya, etc., for rural connectivity.
- **UNESCO Global Education Coalition**: Free access via operators like Orange/Vodafone for education in multiple countries.
- **Global Connect Initiative (US)**: Aimed to connect 1.5B by 2020; evolved into broader digital inclusion efforts.
- **Free Public WiFi (APC)**: 60 initiatives in 25 African/Asian/Pacific countries.
- **Starlink Aid**: Free access in crisis areas (e.g., Venezuela until 2026, Iran).
That's when I found out about the details on the Giga initiative
**Giga Initiative** (UNICEF-ITU partnership, launched 2019):
Goal: Connect every school worldwide to the internet by 2030; every young person to information, opportunity, choice.
Pillars: Map schools/connectivity in real-time; Model infrastructure/investments; Finance via innovative models; Contract/procure affordably.
Key features: Open-source tools, government support, public-private partnerships, and real-time monitoring (Giga Maps).
Progress (latest available): 2.2M+ schools mapped; 106K+ schools with real-time connectivity reporting; engaged in 48 countries; ~8M students impacted in remote/marginalized areas across 141 countries (as of 2025 reports).
Recent: Giga Connectivity Centre opened Geneva 2025; Accelerator program for open-source solutions (Demo Day March 2026); innovative funding like Lido Impact Staking.
Website: giga.global
**Giga's impact on education equity**:
- Connects schools in remote/marginalized areas, enabling digital learning for underserved students.
- ~8M students impacted across 141 countries (2025 data).
- Reduces urban-rural and income-based digital divide.
- Provides access to online resources, remote teaching, and skill-building.
That's when I found out about the details on the Giga initiative.. to previously unconnected schools.
Then I asked about Giga case studies in Africa...
**Giga case studies in Africa**:
- **Rwanda** (pilot): Connected 63 schools (mostly rural/refugee); quadrupled capacity, 55% cost reduction; improved teaching with online resources, student engagement, community access.
- **Botswana**: Connected 700 schools (400K students) by 2024; 93% cost drop per Mbps via aggregated demand/tech-neutral tenders; enhanced digital learning/skills, extended to communities.
- **Broader efforts**: Active in Kenya, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Niger, Mozambique; regional market assessments; goal to connect 500K schools.
Details on Botswana project
**Giga Botswana Project**:
- **Schools**: 700+ connected (by 2024-2025).
- **Students**: 400,000+ reached; 80,000 using Learning Passport.
- **Costs**: 93% reduction per Mbps ($21 → $1.5); 100 Mbps ~$150/month per school.
- **Methods**: Aggregated demand; tech-neutral tenders.
- **Tools**: Giga Meter (real-time performance monitoring).
- **Impacts**: Improved digital learning/skills; remote area access; community/health center extensions.
Giga projects in Namibia
**Giga Namibia**:
- Joined 2023 as one of 30 countries.
- All schools mapped for connectivity (2024).
- National committee oversees progress.
- Focus: Real-time monitoring, tenders, infrastructure.
- Participated in 2024 Forum, 2025 exchange program.
- Challenges: Geography, logistics.
- Explores solutions like Starlink for full connectivity.
more...
**Giga Namibia**:
- Joined: 2023.
- Schools mapped: 2,000 (complete).
- Real-time monitored: 222 (Jan 2026 data).
- Speeds: Avg 4.62 Mbps; Good (>20 Mbps): 4; Moderate (1-20): 41; Bad (<1): 32; Unknown: 145.
- Timeline: 250 schools/year starting 2025; all public schools connected within 5 years (~2030).
Rwanda...
**Giga Rwanda Project**:
- **Pilot launch**: 2019 (UNICEF-ITU with government).
- **Schools**: 63 connected (50 Eastern Province, 13 refugee/public).
- **Capacity**: Quadrupled vs prior.
- **Costs**: 55% reduction per Mbps.
- **Impacts**: Enhanced teaching (videos/interactive), student engagement, community access (jobs/news).
- **Crypto pilot** (2021-2024): Ethereum staking funded connectivity; transitioned to government financing 2025.
Then about - Giga Rwanda: Why 63 schools**
- **Initial pilot** (2019–2022): Proof-of-concept via joint tender; selected 63 schools (50 Eastern Province rural, 13 refugee/public) to test model, achieve 4x capacity, 55% cost reduction.
- **Referenced consistently**: 2025+ studies/reports highlight this successful pilot as a flagship example.
- **Expansions separate**: Plans for 1,700+ nationwide; other providers (e.g., Airtel 281) added more, but Giga's core pilot remains 63.ext was Dive deeper, why always 63 schools...
I asked Giga projects in other countries...
**Giga projects (other countries)**:
- **Kyrgyzstan**: First full national school mapping; connectivity tenders/procurement.
- **Kazakhstan**: All schools mapped; innovative financing models.
- **Uzbekistan**: Expanding school connectivity; real-time monitoring.
- **Honduras**: Pilot connections; improved digital education access.
- **Sierra Leone**: Tenders achieved major cost reductions; rural focus.
- **Kenya**: Mapping, procurement; community/school extensions.
Then I asked UNICEF broadband initiatives
UNICEF broadband initiatives
**UNICEF broadband initiatives**:
- **Giga** (UNICEF-ITU partnership, launched 2019): Connect every school to internet by 2030.
- Focus: Real-time mapping (Project Connect), innovative financing, procurement/tenders.
- Impact: Millions of schools/students in 140+ countries; partnerships (Ericsson, Cloudflare).
**Project Connect** (Giga's mapping initiative, UNICEF-ITU):
- Maps locations and real-time connectivity of every school worldwide.
- Evolved into Giga Maps (maps.giga.global).
- Methods: AI, satellite imagery, government data, open-source.
- Progress: 2.2M+ schools mapped; real-time data in many countries.
- Purpose: Foundation for financing, procurement, and connecting schools.
**Giga financing initiatives**:
- Blended finance: Development loans, technical grants, sustainable models.
- Lido Impact Staking (2025): ETH staking rewards fund school connectivity (no principal loss).
- Accelerator Programme: Up to $50K non-dilutive grants for innovations.
- Partnerships: Governments/private sector for tenders, cost reductions.
I'm going to leave you with a gut feeling maps.giga.global & https://www.unicef.org/innovation/giga are tied together but I'm out of gas at 1:30 in the morning.
As you can tell this has been done with a little help from AI.
Out of Sweden you say?
https://x.com/UNICEFinnovate
https://grok.com/share/bGVnYWN5_2f2b9003-ab6b-450f-b4ad-75c08d266bcd
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