The Trump administration's recent decision to exclude fiber internet from the BEAD (Broadband Equity and Digital Investment) grant program has left many rural communities reeling. The move is expected to have far-reaching consequences, exacerbating existing digital divide issues in these areas.The impact on rural communities will be severe, as fiber internet is often the only reliable means of accessing basic services such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. By not prioritizing this technology, the administration's decision risks pushing millions of Americans further into poverty and isolation.Alternative technologies, such as wireless or satellite internet, may be considered to bridge the gap, but these options are often plagued by limitations in terms of speed, reliability, and cost.