BEAD
Fischer Wants More Fiber for Nebraska from Trump’s Commerce Department
The Republican Senator did not comment on BEAD non-deployment funding.
Commerce
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.
Free Speech
Paramount Pays $16M to Settle ‘60 Minutes’ Suit
Settlement draws ire from Democrats and free speech advocates alike
Expert Opinion
Roslyn Layton: With Supreme Court Clarity, It’s Time for Congress to Modernize the USF
The Supreme Court's decision underscores that real reform must come through legislative, not judicial, channels.
Spotify
Spotify Mistreating Subscribers, Senators Say
The music platform's audiobook feature allegedly exploits a loophole in federal regulations.
Briefs
Jeffrey Lopez Appointed as New Mexico Broadband Director
Former senior policy advisor to Sen. Ben Ray Luján steps into state role at critical time
SpaceX
Senators Propose Bill to Improve U.S. Space Industry Competitiveness and Efficiency
Goal is to streamline regulatory frameworks, foster innovation.
Digital Inclusion
New Mexico’s Federal Officials Demand Lutnick Reinstate DEA
‘Like abandoning a bridge when it is only halfway built’
