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California backs down to Trump admin, won’t force ISPs to offer $15 broadband: “Complete farce”: State lawmaker says US threatened to block broadband funding.

You know that feeling when you’re about to score a win, and then someone pulls the rug out from under you? That’s basically what just happened with California’s plan to make affordable broadband a reality. The state was all set to force internet providers to offer a $15 monthly option for low-income households—until the federal government stepped in.

What Went Down

California lawmakers had a simple idea: internet access is as essential as water or electricity, so why not make it affordable for everyone? They passed a law requiring ISPs to provide a $15/month plan. But then, the Trump administration (yes, even now, his team’s policies are still in play) threatened to block billions in federal broadband funding if California didn’t back off.

And guess what? California folded.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just about politics—it’s about real people. Think about students trying to do homework without reliable internet, or small businesses struggling to stay online. Affordable broadband could’ve been a lifeline. Instead, the state’s hands are tied.

One lawmaker called the whole thing a “complete farce,” and it’s hard to disagree. The feds basically said, “Play by our rules, or lose your money.” And when billions are on the line, states don’t have much leverage.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just a California problem. It’s a reminder of how tangled the fight for affordable internet really is. ISPs have lobbyists, the feds have power, and everyday folks? They’re stuck in the middle.

So what’s next? Maybe other states will take up the fight. Maybe the feds will change their tune. Or maybe we’ll just keep arguing while millions stay disconnected. Either way, this showdown isn’t over—it’s just on pause.

What do you think? Should states have the power to set their own broadband rules, or is this a fight that needs to happen at the national level? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your take.