Congress
Farm Bill Fails to Advance from Senate Agriculture Committee
Impasse leaves rural broadband provisions, including ReConnect reauthorization, on hold.
Jericho Casper
Assistant Editor Jericho Casper graduated from University of Virginia studying telecommunications policy. She previously served as a research assistant examining state laws that restrict local governments from owning or operating broadband networks.
Fiber
Zayo, Nvidia Team Up to Expand Fiber for AI Traffic
Zayo will build, own and operate more than 8,000 miles of new fiber, with Nvidia as an early customer.
FCC
In FCC’s High-Cost Modernization Docket, SpaceX Stands Alone
SpaceX wants the FCC to sunset ‘high-cost’ rural broadband subsidies – almost no one else agrees.
Congress
Senate Commerce Advances Kids’ Online Safety Bills
From chatbots to connected toys, senators push new guardrails for kids online
universal service
New Mexico Launches Rulemaking for Broadband Affordability Program
The state program will offer eligible households discounts toward broadband service beginning Dec. 1.
AI
FTC Inquiry into AI ‘Ideological Bias’ Draws First Amendment Objections
The public comment period on the matter closed Friday.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Federal Broadband Funding Is Expanding Coverage and Competition
New CostQuest analysis found federally funded areas are increasingly served by multiple providers
FCC
Communications Act Could Give FCC Commissioners Firmer Legal Footing Than Slaughter
Unlike the FTC, Congress intentionally designed the FCC as a bipartisan commission, one expert said
USF
California Asks Court to Toss AT&T’s Copper Retirement Suit
State regulators say AT&T’s federal preemption claim lacks merit.
FCC
FCC Holds Lifeline Mobile and Broadband Standards Flat for Another Year
The program’s mobile broadband data allowance has remained unchanged since 2020.
Congress
Senate Panel Hears Permitting Reform, Fiber Critical to Supporting AI Growth
Witnesses warn existing networks face mounting demand and call for faster infrastructure approvals
FCC
FCC Ponders ‘Large Scale Changes’ to School and Library Broadband Subsidy
Wireline chief discusses updating the program which supports internet access for nearly all U.S. public schools
BEAD
Minnesota’s First BEAD Contract Lands
The state office must execute 93 more contracts by October 2026.
FCC
Starlink Routers Receive Conditional Exemption From FCC’s Covered List
The duration of Starlink’s exemption is comparable to its peers, though the approval comes months later.
Tribal
NTIA Extends Tribal Broadband Grant Deadlines Following Chickasaw Nation Visit
The agency announced a 60-day extension to align with BEAD and other funding.
Rural
Rural Carriers Appeal FCC for Deadline Relief
Rural providers participating in a federal program say ‘unforeseen circumstances’ are making a 2028 deadline unworkable.
