Infrastructure
States Tell FCC to Leave Pole Attachment Authority Intact
Utility regulators in Washington, Ohio, and Connecticut call FCC’s proposed recertification unnecessary.
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.
FCC
FCC Bureau Chief Promises Clutter-Free Broadband Labels
Commissioner Anna Gomez has been a vocal opponent of the proposed changes.
BEAD
Texas AG Candidate Vows to Investigate SpaceX’s BEAD Awards
Nathan Johnson says the state’s subgrant selection process ‘sure looks like’ corruption.
National Security
FCC Cites National Security Risks in Denying Digitalsystem Telecom License
Agency says executive branch committee review found national security risks that could not be resolved.
Tribal
Navajo Nation Council Approves $244.6 million Broadband Investment
The plan pairs immediate Starlink service with a 1,265-mile fiber and 5G buildout.
Satellite
Orbital Seeks FCC Approval for 100,000 Satellite Data Center Constellation
The five-month-old startup has raised $5 million in pre-seed funding to develop its space-based AI computing platform.
SpaceX’s $3.3 Trillion Revenue Forecast Depends on Creating New Markets in Connectivity, AI
Morgan Stanley analysts caution that reaching projections will depend on successful execution across multiple not yet proven technologies.
California
GOP Candidate for California Governor Dings FCC, AT&T on Effort to End California Landline Obligations
Steve Hilton, endorsed by President Trump, urges the FCC to let state regulators preserve AT&T’s voice services for rural Californians.
Funding
Sen. Collins Presses OMB to Reconsider Sweeping Grant Rule Changes
The proposed rule could affect major federal broadband programs, including BEAD
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.
