Digital Inclusion
Prison Phone Providers Renew Legal Fight Against FCC Rate Caps
The First Circuit will review arguments on whether the FCC’s rate caps should remain in place.
Jericho Casper
Reporter Jericho Casper graduated from the University of Virginia studying media policy. She grew up in Newport News in an area impacted by the digital divide and has a passion for universal access.
BEAD
Lawmakers Renew Bill to Address Permitting Delays on Federal Lands
The bill comes as state officials push for reforms to environmental and historic preservation permitting rules under BEAD.
Arkansas
Arkansas’ First BEAD Round Covers 9% of Locations With Just 2% of Funds
Arkansas' first BEAD funds go to 18 providers to cover 7,000+ locations
FCC
FCC’s Diversity Probe Into Comcast Draws Fire from Starks
Democrat fears Carr’s probe exceeds FCC authority.
BEAD
Senators Revive Bill to Prevent BEAD Supply Chain Bottlenecks
The NET Act would address supply chain delays ahead of the government dolling out $42.5 billion for broadband.
BEAD
Former FCC Commissioner Predicts Court Battle Over BEAD’s Fiber Preference
But Kathryn de Wit of Pew said the structure of BEAD was carefully crafted to address systemic flaws in federal broadband policy.
AI
Tech Industry Largely Cheers Trump Hands Off Approach to AI
But some raised fears about Big Tech.
Democracy
Gomez Warns FCC Being ‘Weaponized’ Under Trump Administration
‘This FCC has been weighing in on partisan issues that go far beyond our core responsibilities,' she said.
Spectrum
Sen. Blackburn Wants to Free Up Federal Spectrum for Commercial Use
The senator said unused spectrum could generate up to $100 billion for the federal government
Democracy
Sen. Markey Warns of Authoritarian and Corporate Threats to Internet Freedom
‘Don’t be fooled,’ Markey said: Trump’s 'free speech' crusade is actually a campaign for more censorship.
Pole Attachments
West Virginia Utilities Win Concessions in Broadband Pole Dispute
State task force weakens utility reporting requirements, despite calls for more oversight.
BEAD
Texas Pushes to Eliminate BEAD Low-Cost Broadband Requirement
Texas broadband official urged senators to remove affordability mandates, and labor requirements.
Funding
Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition Defends Universal Service
Beyond legal battles, SHLB will push for swift broadband expansion and sustainable digital opportunity efforts
Broadband's Impact
Gosar Bill Would Roll Back Big Tech’s Immunity in Moderating Content
With Trump back in office, Republicans revive concerns about Section 230.
Fiber
Fiber Deployment Costs May See Slight Slowdown
Industry experts predict price stabilization with federal broadband funding scheduled to begin.
Congress
Kids Off Social Media Act Divides Lawmakers on Senate Commerce Committee
Other bipartisan measures related to broadband expansion, supply chain resilience, and emergency communications.
