FCC
USF Contribution Factor Hits Record 38.8% in Third Quarter
FCC reduced projected demand by $125 million, but the assessment rate still reached an all-time high.
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.
Plumas Sierra Telecommunications
Fiber Projects Capture Most of $18.2 Million California Broadband Investment
Four projects led by Plumas-Sierra Telecom awarded $14.7 million of approved funding
ACA-9
California Lawmaker Pulls Constitutional Amendment Reshaping Telecom Oversight
Boerner says the proposal needs more work as opponents warn it could undermine the CPUC's telecommunications authority
April McClain-Delaney
Lawmakers Press Commerce over Withholding of Billions in Broadband Funds
House Democrats dispute characterization of $21 billion in unspent funds as ‘taxpayer savings.’
AI
Up to 50 Million Jobs Could Be Vulnerable to AI
Bipartisan commission rejects universal basic income as policy response.
permitting
Conference of Mayors Urges Congress to Reject American Broadband Deployment Act
Resolution warns that the legislation would limit local oversight of broadband deployment and public rights-of-way.
BEAD
One Year After BEAD Restructured, Some States Still Can’t Access Infrastructure Funding
Despite federal promises to accelerate deployment, states are still waiting on approvals to access broadband funds.
Data Center
New York Assembly Approves One Year Pause on Large Data Centers
Omnibus measure would pause new large-scale projects, create new utility rate classes and require community benefits.
USF
Universal Service Fund Contribution Factor Projected to Reach Record 42.3%
Analyst argues broadband providers should contribute, as shrinking telecom revenues push the surcharge toward record levels.
FCC
Telecom Industry Opposes FCC Proposal to Onshore Call Centers
Industry, labor, and business groups urge FCC to reject the proposal.
Data Center
Yearslong Data Center Dispute Heads to Virginia Supreme Court
Two lower courts ruled against the development, saying Prince William County supervisors violated Virginia code and local zoning ordinance
Digital Inclusion
Justice Department Advises FCC to Strengthen Lifeline Verification
Opinion arrives as FCC reviews changes to enrollment procedures, including federal database checks.
Satellite
Federal Broadband Policy Is Increasingly Being Recast Around Satellite
With few meaningful competitors, Starlink is the primary beneficiary
USF
FCC Considers Satellite Changes to Universal Service's High Cost Fund
Agency also ‘streamlines’ broadband data collection and mapping at its May open meeting.
Digital Inclusion
Constitutional Watchdog Joins Suit Over Canceled Digital Equity Grants
Legal group challenges Trump’s cancellation of $2.75 billion digital equity program.
Digital Inclusion
One Year After Cancellation, Digital Equity Act Tied Up in Legal Challenges
The decision to cancel the program is under litigation from affected groups and states.
