BEAD
NTIA Defends BEAD Pole Rules
Providers anticipate understaffed cities, utilities being a deployment challenge.
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.
Spectrum
Demand Picked Up This Week in AWS-3 Re-Auction
Analysts say proceeds clearing $2.9 billion is looking more and more likely.
Pole Attachments
FCC Taking a Look at State Pole Attachment Laws
An inquiry asked how the agency could make state rules ‘more transparent and effective’
BEAD
Louisiana Inks BEAD Contract with SpaceX
The satellite operator has signed agreements in multiple other states.
Spectrum
NTIA Clears Study Plans for 4.4 GHz Band
After a 60-day Congressional review period, 12 agencies that use the band will get funding to study it for potential repurposing.
BEAD
Astound Explains $165 Million BEAD Refusal in Texas
Resound also dropped out in the state.
Rip and Replace
FCC Grants Four More Rip and Replace Extensions
The agency gave 26 participants more time last month.
Cybersecurity
FCC Grants Cable’s Router Ban Waiver
NCTA said its suppliers would be hit by severe supply shortages if they couldn’t swap out components in already approved router designs.
SiFi Networks
SiFi Networks, U.S. Open Access Provider, Files for Bankruptcy
In its Chapter 11 filing, the company reported between $10 million and $50 million in debts.
Cybersecurity
Trade Groups Don’t Want Broad Interconnection Ban for Chinese Firms
The FCC sought comment on blocking telecom carriers from connecting with entities on its covered list.
Wireless
AT&T CFO: Fixed Wireless Expansion Still ‘Surgical’
He reiterated the carrier isn’t worried about satellite competition.
Spectrum
EchoStar Holding off on $138 Million Interest Payment, Waiting on AT&T Spectrum Proceeds
DOJ is also looking to remove its requirement that EchoStar operate a mobile network, a remnant of the T-Mobile-Sprint merger.
Digital Inclusion
House Dems’ Bill Would Provide Broadband Discounts in Public Housing
The Department of Housing and Urban development would cover up to the lowest cost broadband plan available in the area.
Infrastructure
Amazon, Corning Reach Multibillion-Dollar Fiber Deal
Corning has also signed major agreements with NVIDIA and Meta. It has maintained it can meet fiber demand for the BEAD program.
Satellite
FCC Grants Amazon Leo Deadline Waiver
The company’s final deployment deadline in July 2029 is still in place.
Funding
FCC E-Rate Inquiry to Ask About Reducing Funding, Expanding School Internet Filters
The agency’s proposal on local permitting shot clocks would ask about extending them to 'commingled' telecom and broadband infrastructure.
