USF

Consumers’ Research Still Says Portions of Universal Service Fund Unconstitutional

The group argued that two provisions of the Telecom Act cannot stand because otherwise they would give the FCC ‘virtually unbounded authority’

Briefs

Shared Infrastructure Provider Boldyn Partners With SEA-TAC

The project by Boldyn Networks, will bring 5G connectivity to more than 1 million square feet across the Seattle airport.

Gigabit Competition Could Save Californians $1B Per Year, Says CPUC

Locations with more gigabit providers tend to have lower promotional prices, report finds.

Energy

NARUC to Change Leadership Across Board of Directors

NARUC encourages the public to observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a 'Day of Utility Service' and participate in community service projects.

BEAD

Colorado, Wyoming Clear NIST Approval on BEAD Plans

June policy changes pushed deployment back by 18 months in Colorado, the state's broadband director said.

Privacy Challenges Are Looming Behind AI Regulation, Say FBCA Panelists

Hosted by the Federal Communications Bar Association, the event featured lawmakers and aides from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Colorado

SpaceX

Sens. Cruz and Welch Introduce Satellite Streamlining Act

Measure would require FCC satellite license decisions within one year.

Policyband

Cogeco's Breezeline Expects to Grow U.S. Broadband Subscribers Starting in a Few Quarters

Cogeco executives voiced confidence in a sustained upward subscriber trend after slashing broadband sub losses in the most recent quarter.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Broadband Office Celebrates First Completed Broadband Expansion Projects

State office brings first of many Rescue Plan Act-funded broadband projects online.

Digital Inclusion

Pew: Technology Divides Persist Amid Increased Reliance on Smartphones

As smartphone use increases, broadband subscriptions have decreased, the survey found.

Expert Opinion

Dean Bubley: CBRS Shared Spectrum Critical for U.S. Wireless Innovation

Federal spectrum auction mandates could threaten CBRS's GAA tier, which enables diverse users from rural ISPs to enterprises to deploy private wireless networks.

AI

Senate Commerce Committee United in Support of Limiting Kids’ Screen Time

Still, the E-Rate program got caught in partisan crossfire, as some senators said the program led to unsupervised connectivity in schools.

Data Center

Energy Leaders Say Permitting Reform Key to Powering AI, Data Centers, and Broadband

Panelists raised concerns about lagging U.S. energy infrastructure amid growing AI demand.

mergers

California Public Utilities Commission Approves Verizon-Frontier Merger

The deal is now expected to close on Jan. 20, and diversity policies issue resolved.

China

Senators Push App Disclosure Rules Tied to Foreign Adversaries

App ID Act would require websites and apps to disclose foreign ownership or data storage.

Louisiana

Louisiana’s GUMBO Program Delivers Fiber to Rural Allen Parish

Nearly 3,000 households gain high-speed internet through GUMBO 1.0