NTIA
New BEAD Rules Subject to Congressional Review, GAO Finds
Congress should have received a report before the rules were issued, the watchdog said.
Jake Neenan
Reporter Jake Neenan, who covers broadband infrastructure and broadband funding, is a recent graduate of the Columbia Journalism School. Previously he reported on state prison conditions in New York.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Fiber Broadband Association Says 11.8 Million New Fiber Passings in 2025
In a separate study, Ookla found median fixed wireless speeds from the mobile carriers decreased in 2025.
Wireless
After Losing Restraining Order Fight, T-Mobile Expands Online Switching Tool
AT&T had asked a judge to block a beta version of the tool that asked prospective customers to log into their accounts with other carriers.
BEAD
Bipartisan Senators Want to Keep Non-Deployment Funds
Six GOP Senators signed on to a Tuesday letter to the NTIA.
mergers
California Public Utilities Judge Seeks Diversity Goals in Verizon Merger
An administrative judge at the CPUC recommended approval, but only with extra DEI requirements.
USF
Universal Service Fund Contribution Factor Projected at 37.6% in 2026
Believe it or not, that 37.6 percent is down from the current 38.1 percent.
12 Days of Broadband
America Loses Dish, a National Wireless Carrier, in 2025
Is the EchoStar saga a success story for spectrum entrepreneurship, or cautionary tale about consolidation in wireless?
Spectrum
American Tower: Dish Not Forced to Sell Spectrum
The tower company is asking a judge to prevent Dish from exiting its lease after major spectrum sales.
enforcement
CTIA, Chamber of Commerce Want FCC Forfeiture Process Struck Down
The Supreme Court will deliberate Jan. 9 on whether to weigh in on the issue.
12 Days of Broadband
2025 Was a Year of More BEAD Turmoil
Based on tentative results, about 65% of BEAD locations are in line for fiber. Another 22% will get satellite, and 10% will get fixed wireless.
BEAD
Uncertain Reactions to the Executive Order on AI and BEAD Non-Deployment Funds
Experts said tying the funding to favorable state AI laws could raise legal issues, but states weren’t certain to litigate.
Spectrum
Whistleblowers Want to Revive Fraud Suit Against UScellular Successor
A separate fraud case against the company, filed by the same telecom attorneys, was blessed by the D.C. Circuit in October.
Spectrum
NextNav to Test 5G GPS Backup in San Jose
The test is planned to run through Dec. 1, 2027.
Spectrum
WISPs Continue Push for FCC to Preserve CBRS
Dozens of wireless ISPs have written to the agency on the issue this month.
Digital Inclusion
Public Knowledge, NDIA Aiming to Platform Local Advocates
The groups' Connectivity Policy Corps will have a first cohort of 18 advocates from 14 states.
Wireless
T-Mobile and AT&T Go Back and Forth in Court Over Customers
T-Mobile says switching tool not illegal, as AT&T alleges. They’re also fighting about an advertising dispute
