Antitrust

Senate Judiciary Passes Open App Act, North Korea Hacked, Ford Pushes Electric Vehicles

Targeting Apple and Google Play stores, bill forbids 50 million+ user marketplaces from requiring developers to use in-app payment options.

Blockchain

NFTs May Be Central to the Emerging ‘Internet of Value,’ Say Experts at Pulver VON3

Bringing back transaction costs for messages or phone calls may be a way to deter spam messages.

Tribal

ReConnect Rep Warns of ISPs Asking for More Subsidies Than Needed for Builds

Shekinah Pepper said Wednesday tribal communities should be on alert for service providers asking for chunks of subsidies upfront.

SpaceX

Windstream’s Georgia Investment, Meta’s Mega Losses, Starlink Premium

Kinetic, a Windstream business, is plowing millions for broadband expansion in Georgia.

Robocall

FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Proposes ‘Ringless Voicemail’ Restrictions

The measure would restrict unwanted voicemails appearing in consumers’ inboxes.

Alan Davidson

NTIA New Hires, Section 230 Legislation Reintroduced, EU Digital Laws Target American Firms

The NTIA has made key leadership hires just weeks after its head was confirmed by the Senate.

Infrastructure

Commerce Secretary Says Expect More Accurate Broadband Maps This Summer

Accurate maps will allow federal dollars to target unserved and underserved areas.

TPI

Advances in AI Less About Flashy Robots and More About ‘Creeping Incrementalism’

Artificial intelligence, disguised as helpful hints on web search results, is already having an active effect on society.

Open Access

CEO of SiFi Networks Talks Open Access Models As Company Looks to Expand in 2022

CEO contrasted SiFi Network’s model versus the Google Fiber model that builds infrastructure where there’s demand.

5G Wireless

‘Buy American’ Waiver Request, AT&T Cuts Dividend for Builds, Jamestown Municipal Broadband Program

Telecom industry associations are asking for an exemption from ‘Buy American’ provisions in the infrastructure bill.

Telehealth

FCC Telehealth Program Creating Real Positive Changes in Medical Care, Says Trade Association Rep

The program has allowed more providers to open telehealth services and is creating more audio-only sessions.

CDT

U.S. Losing Ground on Making Global Privacy Mark Without Federal Rules

The EU has sweeping privacy rules in place that could further influence global companies, as U.S. still without unified legislation.

FBA

Rural Utilities Service Administrator: More Miles of Fiber Than Power Lines Funded Over Past Two Years

The agency’s results over these years indicate the versatility of fiber in critical infrastructure projects.

Expert Opinion

Ken Kennedy: The Telco Industry’s Identity Crisis and Why It is a Good Thing

In 2022, telecom service provides are primed to deliver services to any number of end users through ‘B2B2X’.

FCC

Starlink Launch, C-band on Speeds, HTH-AirVoice Merger To Expand Lifeline, Affordable Connectivity Program

Starlink plans to launch nearly 50 low-earth orbit satellites on Monday.

Privacy

Experts Warn Against Private Right to Action Laws on Data Privacy Day

If laws are robust enough and enforcement agencies are well-resourced, states should avoid implementing right to privacy action legislation.