# Senate Panel Hears Permitting Reform, Fiber Critical to Supporting AI Growth > Source: > Published: 2026-07-30 22:05:23+00:00 [Congress](https://broadbandbreakfast.com/tag/congress/) # Senate Panel Hears Permitting Reform, Fiber Critical to Supporting AI Growth Witnesses warn existing networks face mounting demand and call for faster infrastructure approvals Witnesses warn existing networks face mounting demand and call for faster infrastructure approvals WASHINGTON, July 30, 2026 – The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is putting unprecedented pressure on U.S. communications networks, telecommunications leaders told [a Senate panel](https://www.commerce.senate.gov/meetings/intelligent-networks-powering-artificial-intelligence-and-transforming-communications/?ref=broadbandbreakfast.com) Thursday. Industry witnesses told officials of the Senate Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media that AI’s growing use across businesses and households is reshaping internet traffic in ways existing networks were not designed to handle, making broadband deployment and modernization increasingly urgent. The author is the chief economist of the Federal Communications Commission. 'We are taking investigatory action right now on at least one, if not more, of these affiliation transactions," Carr says in a July 30 interview with Policyband The order comes two weeks after infrastructure companies said they were concerned Dish’s bankruptcy might drain the $2.4 billion fund Wireline chief discusses updating the program which supports internet access for nearly all U.S. public schools