Funding
Sen. Collins Presses OMB to Reconsider Sweeping Grant Rule Changes
The proposed rule could affect major federal broadband programs, including BEAD
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.
BEAD
South Carolina Cuts BEAD Recipients in Half
State and federal American Rescue Plan Act funds take eight ISPs out of the BEAD program.
Satellite
Amazon Says It Has Enough Satellites to Launch Leo Broadband Service
Initial service is expected later this year following the latest Atlas V launch.
Funding
California Regulators Raise State Universal Service Surcharge
Small monthly fee that funds broadband and phone assistance programs will rise 15 cents per line.
FCC
FCC Accused of Withholding DOGE Communications ‘in Bad Faith’
A watchdog group is seeking discovery after alleging the FCC failed to adequately produce records in a FOIA lawsuit.
Fiber
House Bill Seeks to Avoid Another ‘Rip-and-Replace’ with Foreign Fiber Ban
The bipartisan FIREWALL Act would restrict federal broadband funding to domestically sourced or allied fiber-optic cable.
NTIA
GAO Renews Pressure on NTIA Over Spectrum, Broadband Coordination
Auditors say agency has implemented just one of 11 priority recommendations issued last year.
FCC
FCC Set to Consider Rewrite of Satellite Licensing Rules
The order would support faster deployment of space-based broadband if approved.
E-Rate
Library Groups Mobilize Against FCC Proposal to Reshape E-Rate
Thursday’s FCC E-Rate inquiry would raise compliance burdens for consultants, participants, and providers, librarians said in interviews
Congress
Ocasio-Cortez Introduces AI Data Center Moratorium Act
The bill expands a Senate effort to pause data center growth.
Congress
Democratic Senators Oppose ‘Weak’ House Kids Online Safety Act
Blumenthal, Cantwall argue House Republicans diluted the bill under pressure from big tech.
FCC
AT&T Files Complaint Against Duke Energy Over Pole Attachment Rates
AT&T previously challenged Duke's pole rates in federal court.
Data Center
Pallone Backs National Moratorium on AI Data Centers
Despite growing local opposition, no state has implemented a successful pause on data centers to date.
Digital Inclusion
Digital Equity Act Program Can Proceed Without Race Criteria, Trump Attorneys Say
The administration urged the court to rule immediately in NDIA v. Trump, while plaintiffs disputed whether the issue can be resolved at this stage.
Data Center
Virginia Lawmakers Strike Data Center Tax Deal After Budget Standoff
New electricity consumption tax expected to generate $1.2 billion over two years.
Congress
House Leaders Reach Deal on Kids Online Safety Package
Revised ‘KIDS Act’ establishes new federal oversight of data brokers handling minors’ personal data.
