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.
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.
mergers
WOW! Acquisition Closed
Digital Bridge and Crestview Partner took the cable operator private in a $1.5 billion deal.
People
Jim Holanda Named Cable One CEO
He previously led Astound Broadband for 15 years.
Defense Department
Where to Find 800 Megahertz of Spectrum For Auction?
Citizens Broadband Radio Service hasn’t got an explicit defense from the Trump administration, but the FCC hasn’t said it intends to alter it.
permitting
Wireless Industry Wants FCC to Cap Local Permitting Fees, Impose Shot Clocks
State and local governments are concerned about losing authority.
Satellite
Globalstar Opposed to Other Satellite Operators in 1.6 GHz
Iridium petitioned the FCC for access last week, and SpaceX has sought to enter the band.
Spectrum
EchoStar, SpaceX to FCC: Don’t Weigh in on Vendor Contract Disputes
Infrastructure companies had asked the agency to require EchoStar to pay Dish’s bills.
BEAD
NTIA Highlights Maine, Hawaii LEO Deployments Ahead of BEAD
Maine has registered 500 participants for its Working Internet ASAP program.
Cybersecurity
Industry Opposed to New Licensing for Subsea Cable Terminals
The FCC proposed a licensing regime, citing national security concerns.
Copyright
Supreme Court Seen as Likely to Overturn Fourth Circuit’s Ruling in Cox v. Sony
But it’s not clear what new standard justices will lay out.
NTIA
Rep. Andy Barr Introduces House Companion to Senate Non-Deployment Bill
Allows states to use BEAD funds on workforce, wholesale fiber, IXPs, and wireless infrastructure
12 Days of Broadband
Universal Service Fund Survived, Faces New Legal and Political Challenges
A follow-on legal case about the USF resumed on Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the Fifth Circuit.
mergers
Verizon Concerned About Potential Deployment Requirements for Frontier Deal
A CPUC judge set an oral argument date of Jan. 12, 2026.
permitting
Broadband Industry Wants FCC to Mandate 60-day Shot Clock for Local Permits
Local governments oppose the idea.
Wireless
AT&T Drops Ad Watchdog Suit
BBB National Program’s National Advertising Division agreed to reverse a decision against AT&T.
Spectrum
White House Wants Portions of 7 GHz Band for Licensed Use
New Street’s Blair Levin said the memo suggested CBRS was less likely to be auctioned.
