Funding
Task Force Calls for Congress to Cement USF’s Legal, Financial Foundations
Report advocates modernization as FCC considers retrenchment across major programs
Latest
USF
California Not Sold on Wisconsin Bell’s $55 Million Whistleblower Settlement
The state was involved in a companion case, and feared it would lose the ability to sue again if the suit were dropped
Digital Inclusion
Digital Equity Suit Paused Until New Funding Notice
NTIA is planning to take applications on reinstated broadband adoption funding in December
Policyband
With RDOF-Era Clairvoyance, FCC Democrat Anna Gomez Once Again Relegates Starlink to the ISP Underclass
“Until it is proven to me that [LEOs] have the capacity and the latency able to serve in our artificial intelligence economy, then I’m not convinced that that is in fact the answer,” Gomez said.
Public Safety
House Commerce Staff Hoping for FirstNet Reauthorization This Year
The agency will sunset in February 2027 unless Congress reauthorizes it
BEAD
AI Buildout Worsening Supply Costs, Permit Worries, ISPs Say
Lumen said it was laying middle mile fiber next to strands reserved by hyperscalers
Expert Opinion
Bob Bartz: The Broadband Map Is Getting Better. Here’s What Still Needs to Change
Faster provider reporting and engineering field data would make FCC broadband maps more accurate, and that matters for investment decisions well beyond BEAD.
FCC
FCC’s Gomez Warns Satellite Deployment Is No Substitute for Universal Service
Gomez’s comments came just after Disney filed a lawsuit against the commission Tuesday morning.
FCC
ABC Sues FCC Over Challenge to Its Broadcast Licenses, Saying Actions Present 'Existential Threat'
The FCC launched a review in April of 8 ABC local broadcast licenses well before they expire.
Maryland
Maryland Tax Court Voids Digital Ad Tax, Orders Refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock
The case has been closely watched by other states considering similar taxes.
Policyband
New York’s Two Major Broadband Grant Programs Delivering Fewer Connections At Higher Costs, Study Finds
Advanced Communications Law & Policy Institute study says New York grant amounts have risen by about $38 million across programs, while the number of planned connections has dropped by about 34,000
Satellite
AST SpaceMobile Gets Green Light for Direct-to-Device Testing
The 30-day authorization covers non-commercial testing using up to 100 handsets.
mergers
Charlie Ergen to Acquire Controlling Stake in MobileX: Report
MobileX ‘has the cellular part, just need the satellite part,’ CEO says
enforcement
Supreme Court Denies Verizon Bid to Pursue Refund on FCC Fine
The wireless carriers are each seeking refunds on a combined $200 million in penalties
FCC
FCC Agenda Targets November to Finalize Wireless Siting Rules
The agency’s 2026 regulatory agenda points to upcoming action on permitting, spectrum and legacy telecom rules.
Digital Inclusion
Most E-Rate Funds Spent in Highest-Need Areas, Researcher Says
In fiscal year 2024, the program spent 62 percent of funding on broadband subscriptions and 35 percent on networking gear
