Commerce
Maine’s BEAD Plan Delayed, Triggered by NTIA’s New Policy Direction
NTIA is expected to issue revised BEAD guidance in mid-May, Maine says.
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
FiberLight to Acquire Metro Fiber Networks
Acquisition opens new corridor from Virginia Beach to Data Center Alley in Northern Virginia, and also Atlanta and Charlotte.
Energy
States Challenge Federal Nuclear Rules to Advance Small Reactors
Louisiana joins multi-state legal effort to ease deployment of next-gen nuclear tech.
Benton
In ‘Delete’ Docket, Advocates Want Improvements to Lifeline, E-Rate and Local Control
Public interest groups say the FCC should modernize, not dismantle, key programs.
Big Tech
Public Knowledge Pushes for Digital Platform Regulator
Proposal weighs feasibility of creating an independent commission, executive agency, or standards body.
Ziply
Twenty-one States Push to Scrap Carrier-of-Last-Resort Laws
Telecom leaders call mandates to maintain copper a barrier to next-gen broadband.
Congress
Senate Confirms Trump Nominee Mark Meador to FTC on Party-Line Vote
Meador confirmed amid a legal challenge by two ousted Democratic FTC commissioners.
SpaceX
House Bill Would Divert BEAD Funds Toward Satellite and Wireless Subsidies
Rep. Taylor has also pushed for satellites to be considered in Appalachian broadband grants.
FCC
Stick With Fiber, Rural Providers Tell Washington
Rural broadband providers urged federal officials to stay the course on prioritizing fiber in BEAD.
Soros
FCC to Vote on Modernizing Foreign Ownership Rules
The agency has faced calls to address foreign influence in media and advertising.
Defense Department
FCC Nominee Olivia Trusty Vows to Balance DoD-Industry Spectrum Demands
During nomination hearing, Trusty pledges to protect universal service while advancing next-gen connectivity.
Section 230
TAKE IT DOWN Act Passes House Commerce, But Not Without a Fight
Democrats warn the law will fall flat without a functional FTC to enforce it.
FCC
FCC Travel Freeze Forces Gomez to Pay Her Own Way to NAB Show
The FCC suspended commissioner travel with no public explanation.
Broadband Mapping and Data
FCC’s New Broadband Fabric Now Governs High-Cost Program Oversight
States, ISPs still struggling to challenge its accuracy
SpaceX
Starlink Becomes Punching Bag Amid Global Backlash to Trump Tariffs
Canada’s westernmost territory halts use of Elon Musk’s satellite service, ends presence on X, and pulls Tesla rebates in protest.
BEAD
States Advance BEAD Subgrantee Selection Amid Federal Uncertainty
New Mexico, Hawaii report strong provider interest as more states move to prepare final proposals.
