SpaceX
South Africa Eases Affirmative Action Regulations on Starlink that Musk Said Were Racist
The change affects all foreign-owned satellite internet providers that operate in South Africa.
Latest
permitting
FCC Expedites Comcast Pole Attachment Dispute Against Appalachian Power
Comcast says utility’s policy could delay construction to roughly 13,000 Virginia locations.
BEAD
Uncertain Reactions to the Executive Order on AI and BEAD Non-Deployment Funds
Experts said tying the funding to favorable state AI laws could raise legal issues, but states weren’t certain to litigate.
Policyband
Policyband's Top 10 Predictions for 2026
No 1: Elon Musk Sues to Block Billions in BEAD Funds Going to Fiber, FWA Overbuilders
AI
White House Issues Order Pledging to Withhold BEAD Funds From States With 'Onerous' AI Laws
Order tones down language of leaked draft, but continues restriction on dispensing remaining BEAD funds to states with 'onerous' AI laws.
Social Media
House Panel Advances 18-Bill Kids’ Online Safety Package
Democrats warn the proposals would override stronger state privacy laws.
Spectrum
Whistleblowers Want to Revive Fraud Suit Against UScellular Successor
A separate fraud case against the company, filed by the same telecom attorneys, was blessed by the D.C. Circuit in October.
Spectrum
NextNav to Test 5G GPS Backup in San Jose
The test is planned to run through Dec. 1, 2027.
Spectrum
WISPs Continue Push for FCC to Preserve CBRS
Dozens of wireless ISPs have written to the agency on the issue this month.
AI
Time Magazine Names 'Architects of AI' as its Person of the Year for 2025
AI was a leading contender for the top slot, according to prediction markets, along with tech CEOs Jensen Huang of Nvidia and Sam Altman of OpenAI.
Policyband
Fight on the Right – Laura Loomer Slams Chris Ruddy over His Opposition to Nexstar-TEGNA Merger
‘Ruddy continues to show the world, and especially the conservative movement, how much of a selfish leftist he truly is,” Loomer charged.
AI
Should BEAD Non-Deployment Funds Be Linked to AI? How Should Funds Be Spent?
Experts disagreed on conditioning broadband funding on state AI regulations, balancing digital economy goals against legal constraints.
Public Safety
Rep. Fulcher Presses FCC to Move Faster on GPS Backup
New filings deepen debate over terrestrial GPS alternatives.
Digital Inclusion
Public Knowledge, NDIA Aiming to Platform Local Advocates
The groups' Connectivity Policy Corps will have a first cohort of 18 advocates from 14 states.
Wireless
T-Mobile and AT&T Go Back and Forth in Court Over Customers
T-Mobile says switching tool not illegal, as AT&T alleges. They’re also fighting about an advertising dispute
William Young
Federal Judge Throws Out Trump Order Blocking Wind Energy Project
The White House says offshore wind projects were given unfair, preferential treatment during the Biden administration.
