Commerce

House Appropriations Passes FY26 Budget Impacting NTIA

$47 million allocation for National Telecommunications and Information Administration includes amendment blocking federal rate-setting in broadband deployment.

FCC

FCC to Seek Input on State, Local Barriers to Telecom Projects

The agency will also vote on whether to set up an accelerated docket for wireless permitting disputes

FCC

Charter CEO Meets With FCC Commissioners on Cox Merger

Charter's top official met with FCC commissioners to discuss the proposed acquisition of Cox.

AI

Cruz Unveils SANDBOX Act to Ease Federal AI Rules

Proposal would let developers test AI under federal waivers

Spectrum

Senate Republicans to FCC: Protect 6 GHz, CBRS

The NTIA head also urged preserving the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi on Wednesday.

Public Safety

FCC’s Trusty Raises Concerns Over Copper Theft

Regulator warns copper theft and network vandalism pose risks to broadband and public safety.

Satellite

State Department Approved Possible $150M Starlink Sale to Ukraine

The sale could strengthen both U.S. national security interests and Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Policyband

West Virginia on Same BEAD Page with White House, Lutnick

West Virginia's plan would connect 73,701 locations, down about 40,000, with some saying 100,000 West Virginians would not benefit under BEAD.

Dateline Ashburn

Dateline Ashburn: Data Centers Drive New Energy Disputes in Northern Virginia

Dominion projects peak power demand for data centers in Virginia could rise to 13.3 gigawatts by 2038, nearly a fivefold increase in 16 years.

mergers

Verizon, Frontier Settle with Two Merger Opponents in California

The companies are eager for the CPUC to approve the deal at its Dec. 18 meeting.

NCTA

NCTA Notes Growing Competition Across Broadband Services

A major industry group is pressing regulators to revisit broadband competition, highlighting mobile service as a key factor.

Expert Opinion

Mike Regan: Embedding Resilience and Operationalizing Cybersecurity Across Information Communications

As cyber threats evolve in sophistication and persistence, organizations must shift from reactive defensive strategies to proactive system-wide resilience.

Broadband Mapping and Data

FCC Proposal to Scale Back Broadband Standards Draws Fire

Rural co-ops press FCC for symmetrical 100 * 100 Mbps broadband standard

enforcement

Second Circuit Affirms FCC's $47 Million Fine Against Verizon

There was already a circuit split on whether the FCC's forfeiture process is legal.

Spectrum

NTIA Identifies 5 Megahertz of NOAA Spectrum for Auction

The NTIA head also urged the FCC to protect Wi-Fi.

Education

New York E-Rate Coordinator Argues for Wi-Fi on School Buses

New York official urged FCC to continue funding school bus Wi-Fi.