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

Wireless

AT&T Fixed Wireless Back in New York

The carrier had pulled the service over the state’s Affordable Broadband Act

Wireless

Ookla: T-Mobile Receives Best Mobile Network in First Half of 2026

The ISP was also awarded fastest mobile and 5G networks

BEAD

State Broadband Chiefs Await Guidance on $21 Billion of Remaining BEAD Funds

Four state broadband directors, still awaiting federal guidance on billions in remaining BEAD funds, speak at Broadband Breakfast Live Online event.

Congress

House Committee Approves Package to Address Data Centers’ Growing Energy Demands

Bills aimed at modernizing the nation’s grid for AI data centers advance to the full House

BEAD

Senate Commerce Clears Bill Requiring BEAD Project Dashboard

NTIA would have to publish states’ semiannual reports

Fiber

Knowing State Laws Helps Fiber Companies Work With Railroads, Expert Says

Eagle 1 Resources CEO stressed the need to understand laws governing railroad crossings

Earnings

AT&T Beats on Fiber, Fixed Wireless Additions

The carrier expects its $23 billion EchoStar spectrum deal to close this month and is still not interested in a SpaceX MVNO

White Papers

Broadband Technology Acceleration

With the industry facing fierce competition, engaging a turnkey supply chain solutions and deployment partner is a more efficient and lower risk path.

Briefs

SpaceX to Host First Public Earnings Call on August 4

The company will hold a live audio-only call at 4:30 ET to discuss earnings after the market closes.

Social Media

French Lawmakers Approve a Sweeping Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

The bill also bans the use of mobile phones in high schools.

Andrea Bartz

Judge Approves a $1.5B Anthropic Settlement Over Books Used to Train Claude

The case began when bestselling novelist Andrea Bartz and two other authors filed the suit in 2024.

Policyband

Seafaring Cable Guy Lou Borrelli Sure Likes His Starlink Mini from Stem to Stern

The NCTC CEO, a sailor who relies on the Mini on the high seas, questioned broadband subsidies: ‘If we're all being brutally honest, does anybody think $7,500 a passing for BEAD money is a good idea?'

Wireless

Towers Worry Dish Bankruptcy Could Drain Escrow

Crown Castle objected to an intercompany loan

Spectrum

D.C. Circuit Upholds FCC Plan to Open More Public Safety Spectrum to FirstNet

The 3-0 decision said FirstNet could operate outside the 700 MHz band