WASHINGTON, December 26, 2024 – In 2024, the backbone of America’s digital transformation rested on thousands of data centers providing the computing power for AI, cloud services and high-speed internet connectivity.
The number of new data center projects announced in the the first half tripleddriven by the explosive demand for AI processing and cloud services. Estimates based on a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study suggest that U.S. data centers consumed more than 70 billion kilowatt hours (kWh), or about 2 percent of total U.S. electricity consumption.
The 12 days of broadband (click to open)
- On the first day of broadband, my true love sent me:
A A tech billionaire who promotes extra-planetary life is ready to elect a president. - On the second day of broadband, my true love sent me: 23 million people served by the affordable connectivity program.
- On the third day of broadband, my true love sent me:
3rd year without the Federal Communications Commission having spectrum auction authority. - On the fourth day of broadband, my true love sent me:
$42.5 billion in broadband equity, access and deployment funds already allocated. - On the fifth day of broadband, my true love sent me:
5,500 active satellites currently in low Earth orbit. - On the sixth day of broadband, my true love sent me:
Over 6 years of service at the FCC by Commissioner and Chairman-designate Brendan Carr. - On the seventh day of broadband, my true love sent me:
More than 70 billion kilowatt hours of electricity consumed each year by data centers in the United States - On the eighth day of broadband, my true love sent me:
$8 billion in annual funds for universal service. - On the ninth day of broadband, my true love sent me:
$90 billion in global telecommunications M&A deals in 2024. - On the tenth day of broadband, my true love sent me:
100 broadband-related regulations at the FCC relying on Chevron deference. - On the eleventh day of broadband, my true love sent me:
Nearly 11 years to complete the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, with default locations. - On the twelfth day of broadband, my true love sent me:
12 senators and representatives signing the Andreessen-Horowitz “Little Tech” agenda.
Yet as their energy needs have skyrocketed this year, data centers have faced heated debates over energy sustainability and their impact on local communities.
