BEAD
Questions Remain After NTIA’s Review of Billions in Broadband Grants, GAO Says
Watchdog says NTIA did not provide updated data or outcomes for awards flagged during Trump administration review.
Latest
Policyband
Charter Reports Weak Second Quarter, Dropping 172,000 Broadband Customers
Mobile growth slowed year over year while company continued to show video improvement owing to deep value from free apps given to expanded basic subscribers
Data Center
Democrats Seize on AI Data Center Backlash That's Dividing Rural Republicans
The AI data center controversy could influence the upcoming election.
Fiber
House Dems Oppose FCC Preempting Calif. Copper Rules
AT&T wants the agency to grant preemption and allow it to discontinue copper service in the state
Wireless
Malibu City Council Votes to Bar New Wireless Facilities in Residential Neighborhoods
The city enacted a resolution prohibiting the placement of new cell equipment closer than 300 feet of residential property lines.
Congress
House Republicans Question Future of Federal Broadband Programs
GAO tells lawmakers fewer broadband programs may be needed after BEAD
Earnings
Comcast Broadband Sub Losses Improving
The company said it’s not yet seeing an impact from Starlink in rural areas
Briefs
Shentel VP and Chief Accounting Officer to Resign
Tracy Willis is leaving the company on Aug. 6
BEAD
Texas Broadband Office Pushes Back Against SpaceX Favoritism Accusations
The department says claims have been driven by misinformation.
Earnings
T-Mobile Broadband Adds ‘in the Upper 400,000 Range’
The company was pleased by the FCC's plan to auction 2.7 GHz spectrum in 2028
Donald Trump
Trump Nominates FCC Lawyer Adam Candeub to Head Antitrust Division at Justice
Candeub, nominated July 21, requires Senate confirmation.
AI
OpenAI Says Rogue AI Models Broke Free From Human Control. Some See as a 'Warning Shot'
The attack announced this week by OpenAI blamed rogue AI models.
Thomas Regnier
EU Hits Google With $1 Billion Fine Over its Play App Store and Search
The EU continues to enforce digital regulations despite potential backlash from the U.S.
Policyband
Comcast Lost 167,000 Broadband Subs in Second Quarter, Slightly Worse Than Expected
Streamer Peacock posted its first‑ever quarterly profit, with EBITDA of $189 million and 2 million paid subscriber additions to reach 48 million
Expert Opinion
Samantha Schartman: AI Will Widen the Digital Divide — Cross-Sector Co-Investment Could Provide a Bridge
We need new ways to fund programs, and the Alt Funding Field Guide makes the case that digital inclusion creates economic value
FCC
FCC Approves Upper C-Band Plan, Opening 160 MHz for Wireless Auction
The proceeding required extensive coordination with wireless carriers, satellite operators, broadcasters, and aviation stakeholders
