# Fischer pushes Nebraska to prioritize fiber in broadband expansion  
**Published:** 2026-05-27T18:03:45.000Z  
**Source:** [Nebraska Examiner](https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/05/27/u-s-sen-deb-fischer-seeks-more-fiber-for-nebraskas-broadband-expansion-diet/)  
**AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001)  
**Canonical:** https://lincolne.news/article/fischer-pushes-nebraska-to-prioritize-fiber-in-broadband-expansion

LINCOLN, Neb. — U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer is challenging Governor Jim Pillen's approach to Nebraska's broadband expansion, advocating for greater investment in fiber optic technology during a roundtable discussion this week that exposed a fundamental divide over how to connect rural areas.

Fischer, a [Republican who has long championed broadband infrastructure policy](https://www.fischer.senate.gov/), hosted the discussion alongside Federal Communications Commission member Olivia Trusty and local stakeholders, including members of Nebraska's Public Service Commission and telecommunications officials from rural areas including Stanton, Hamilton County and the Panhandle.

The debate centers on how Nebraska should spend [more than $300 million in leftover federal broadband funds](https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/05/22/a-bead-on-nebraska-broadband-state-reopens-provider-applications-with-over-300m-still-in-limbo/) after restructuring of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. [According to Nebraska Examiner reporting](https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/05/27/u-s-sen-deb-fischer-seeks-more-fiber-for-nebraskas-broadband-expansion-diet/), the state initially received $405 million in BEAD funding but ultimately applied for only $44 million after the Trump administration reformed the program.

The sharp disagreement reflects national tensions over broadband technology priorities. [Nebraska ranks last in the nation for allocating BEAD funds to fiber, at about 9 percent, compared to a national average of 66 percent](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/gop-sen-fischer-pressuring-lutnick-to-give-nebraska-more-bead-money-for-fiber/), according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Roundtable participants highlighted practical advantages of fiber infrastructure. Public Service Commissioner Tim Schram said fiber has been buried in Nebraska since 1984 with minimal replacement needs. John Nelson, CEO of Hamilton Telecommunications, and Nick Paden, vice president of Stanton Telecom, noted that fiber connections proved critical during the state's recent wildfires and tornadoes, maintaining service when other technologies failed.

"Knowing what's best for the future utility of the people we represent — it's buried infrastructure," Schram said. Tonya Mayer, CEO of Mobius Communications, estimated fiber cables last 30 to 40 years.

Fischer compared fiber investment to vital infrastructure like roads and waterways, calling them "costly, big, and lasting investments." She acknowledged that satellite and other technologies have roles to play but expressed doubt they can serve all of Nebraska effectively.

Pillen has defended his approach, arguing that concerns about fiber as the "gold standard" are outdated and that recent advances in satellite and wireless technology deserve consideration. State officials celebrated Nebraska's first BEAD connection in Ogallala last month using fixed wireless access.

John Barrett, vice president of government affairs for Great Plains Communications, worried that Nebraska's de-emphasis on fiber represents a missed opportunity. "The job is not done," he said. "Every American might get service at some level with BEAD, but our companies are going to need ongoing support."

Fischer said she continues pressing federal officials to clarify how the remaining unspent funds might be allocated, noting that guidance on "non-deployment" uses has been delayed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

## Sources

- [Nebraska Examiner](https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/05/27/u-s-sen-deb-fischer-seeks-more-fiber-for-nebraskas-broadband-expansion-diet/)
- [Nebraska Examiner reporting on leftover BEAD funds](https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/05/22/a-bead-on-nebraska-broadband-state-reopens-provider-applications-with-over-300m-still-in-limbo/)
- [Broadband Breakfast coverage of Fischer's fiber advocacy](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/gop-sen-fischer-pressuring-lutnick-to-give-nebraska-more-bead-money-for-fiber/)

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This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Nebraska Examiner, enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/05/27/u-s-sen-deb-fischer-seeks-more-fiber-for-nebraskas-broadband-expansion-diet/.