12 Days of Broadband
Universal Service Fund Survived, Faces New Legal and Political Challenges
A follow-on legal case about the USF resumed on Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the Fifth Circuit.
permitting
House Commerce Committee Clears Broadband Permitting Bills
The bills would set shot clocks on state and local permitting agencies and make it easier for ISPs to cross railroads.
permitting
Senate Unveils RAIL Act Days After House Advances Its Own Version
The bill would set permitting deadlines for work in railroad rights-of-way.
Rural
USDA Nominee Glen Smith Vows Review of Rural Broadband Programs
During his nomination hearing, lawmakers pressed on coordinating USDA’s broadband programs and reviewing stalled energy projects.
John Thune
Bipartisan Senate Aides Expect to Unveil USF Modernization Framework by 2026
Reform effort seeks fair contributions to the Universal Service Fund from modern internet providers.
China
Senate Passes Bill Calling Scrutinizing Ownership of FCC Licensees
The bill would require an annual list of license holders owned in part by the Chinese government, among others.
BEAD
Fischer Wants More Fiber for Nebraska from Trump’s Commerce Department
The Republican Senator did not comment on BEAD non-deployment funding.
Senate Commerce Moves to Boost Foreign Investment in High-Tech Sectors
Committee also advances bill to counter cybersecurity risks in oil and gas pipelines.
Free Speech
Carr Agrees to Testify Before Senate Panel on His Apparent Threats to Kimmel Show
Democrats and Republicans want answers over FCC threats to TV licenses over Kimmel’s suspension.
USF
TechFreedom Urges Congress to Scrap Universal Service Surcharge
The extra fee appears on consumers’ phone bills to finance rural broadband, low-income, school and library connections.
USF
Rural Telcos Urge Focus on Operational Expenses for Universal Service
WISPA said the smallest ISPs shouldn't have to contribute.
USF
Participants Urge Against Appropriations for USF
Some commenters said Lifeline benefits should be upped to $30 per month.
Funding
USF Contribution Factor Expected to Hit Record 39.3 Percent
Would represent a 3.3 percentage point increase from Q3 2025.
Funding
Big Telecom Carriers Bankroll the Universal Service Fund
Panelist estimates that AT&T alone pays over $1 billion into the fund
Funding
Lawmakers Open Comment Portal on Future of Universal Service Fund
Working group sought input on the effectiveness of USF programs, proposed reforms
Funding
Luján Presses NTIA’s New Chief to Act on Broadband Funds ‘Day One’
Restoring digital equity and broadband funds should be Roth's first act as Administrator, Luján says.
