Affordability
House Republicans Again Take Issue with BEAD Affordability Regs
The NTIA head defended its policy of ensuring a low-cost option.
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.
Enforcement Bureau
FCC Removes Two Providers from ACP or Successor Program
The agency also began the process of banning a third ISP from the program.
USF
Senate Commerce Committee Set to Vote on Short-Term ACP Funding
The Spectrum and National Security Act would infuse the program with $7 billion.
JD Vance
Senate Passes FAA Reauthorization Without ACP Amendment
Lawmakers had hoped to use the bill as a vehicle for securing funding for the program.
Commerce
Commerce Department is Aiming to Approve All BEAD Plans by Fall
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said there will be more approvals handed down in the coming weeks.
FCC
FCC Urges Supreme Court Not to Review USF Challenges
A conservative nonprofit argued the Fifth Circuit is likely to create conflicting precedent.
JD Vance
Senators Propose FAA Reauthorization Amendment to Fund ACP
The last of the low-income internet subsidy's cash is set to run out this month.
Chips
NTIA Announces New $420M Round of Open RAN Funding
The second round of the agency's Wireless Innovation Fund will support research and development of open radio units.
FCC
Rosenworcel and Carr Circulate Proposal to Ban Covered Entity Labs from FCC Certification Program
The agency will vote to take comment on the proposel at its May 23 meeting.
People
Broadband People: New Director for Illiniois Office of Broadband
Devon Braunstein, the current assistant director, will be heading the office.
JD Vance
GOP Leaders Remain Skeptical Amid Push for ACP Funding
Sen. Ben Ray Luján signaled his USF working group is looking to fold ACP into the fund.
FCC
Fetterman Introduces Long-Term Universal Service Funding Bill
As full funding for Affordable Connectivity Program expires, FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel issues letter to lawmakers.
Broadband Updates
BEAD Roundup: Seven More Challenge Portals Open
That makes 10 open challenge windows, plus 18 states finished with the first phase of the process.
Communications Act
FCC Reclaims Some Broadband Oversight From FTC
The agencies will nullify their existing memo of understanding when net neutrality rules go into effect.
OTI
Wireless Providers, Others, Disagree on Allocating Spectrum Without Auction Authority
Carriers like AT&T want temporary licenses, while smaller providers and think tanks pushed for spectrum sharing.
Broadband Updates
Kansas and West Virginia Receive BEAD Volume 2 Approval
The states will have one year to award subgrants with their allocations.
