Senate Commerce
How Long Will it Take Congress to Revamp the Universal Service Fund?
Critics urged the FCC to expand the fund’s contribution sources, but the agency chose to punt the decision to Congress.
Ahmad Hathout
Managing Editor Ahmad Hathout has spent the last half-decade reporting on the Canadian telecommunications and media industries for leading publications. He started the scoop-driven news site downup.io
FCC
Gigi Sohn’s Political Purgatory and the Prospect of Reintroducing Net Neutrality Rules in 2023
If Sohn is sworn in, it would break the FCC’s party deadlock and allow the Democrats to potentially bring back net neutrality.
FCC
More Time on Disaster Agreements, Small Providers Want Fed Spectrum, More ECF Funding
The Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative requires providers to negotiate network sharing within nine months.
FTC
Omnibus Bill Includes FCC Spectrum Auction Extension, TikTok Ban on Government Devices
The spending package includes an extension of the FCC’s auction authority to March 2023.
Infrastructure
Communities Need Governance Seat on Broadband Builds, Conference Hears
Communities need to be involved in decision-making when it comes to broadband builds.
FCC
‘It Is a Concern’: FCC Contractor Responds to Commercial Conflict Concerns Over Map Challenge Process
CostQuest’s CEO said states need to look at their vendors if they pose a problem challenging FCC map data.
Google Not Publisher to Australian Court, Omnispace Testing 5G Satellites, AT&T’s $6M to Digital Literacy
Australia’s highest court said Google is not a publisher by making available hyperlinks to articles.
Comcast
All States Want BEAD Funds, Digicomm Secures Investment, Glo Fiber Expanding in PA
The NTIA announced all states and territories have applied for initial planning money from the $42.5B BEAD program.
fixed wireless
Panelists Take Issue with Government Preference for Fiber
‘Advertising around gig speeds is doing tremendous damage to our public policy.’
FCC
FCC Points to Congress on USF, Texas Hires LightBox, Lit Communities Hires Lindsay Miller
The FCC will let Congress make changes to its authority to add contributors to the Universal Service Fund.
Privacy
Tech Policy Conference Panelists Tackle Challenges of Federal Privacy, Antitrust Laws
Academics were concerned about an anti-preference bill, while one state AG said he’s ‘pragmatic’ about a federal privacy law.
Rural
Carr ‘Surprised’ by RDOF Denials, ‘New Normal’ on Supply Chain, $68M for Student Connectivity
Carr said he was notified via press release of the FCC decision to deny RDOF money to Starlink and LTD.
FCC
FCC Denies Funding for Two of the Biggest Winners of Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Money
‘We are continuing to review the letter and are evaluating our next steps,’ LTD said.
Grid Broadband Bill, Ting Gets Financing, Finley Engineering Has New CEO
A new bill would provide grants to providers who can quickly build middle-mile infrastructure along existing electrical grid system.
FCC
FCC Encouraged to Limit Data Collection on Affordable Connectivity Program, Others Want More
One trade group warns about providers leaving the program if data collection too onerous.
FTC
FTC Phillips Stepping Down, Chips Act Now Law, Alaskan Entities Getting $50M in Broadband Grants
Phillips told Politico that he is leaving the competition watchdog this fall.
