USDA
Farm Connectivity Bill, FCC’s $20M Fine Proposal, UTOPIA Fiber’s New Government Affairs Director
A new bill would create another grant program under the USDA for connecting farm devices.
FCC
Farm Bill Should Include Higher Broadband Speed Requirements
Congress should increase speed requirements for the USDA’s broadband programs to encourage fiber builds, committee hears.
Alan Davidson
Senators Question BEAD Rules, Apple Wins Antitrust Case, Florida Fights Targeted Advertising
Senators are concerned about BEAD’s fiber preference and Buy America rules.
FCC
A Foundation for Digital Equity, Biden on Cybersecurity, $750 Million Proposal in Wisconsin
Without investments in digital adoption, investments in infrastructure won’t close the digital divide, say advocates.
Chips
CES 2023: Tech Competition with China All About National Security: Sen. Warner
The United States ought to counteract Chinese efforts to dominate international standards-setting bodies for the technology sector, Warner said.
Congress
CES 2023: Congressional Oversight, Digital Equity Priorities for New Mexico Senator
Sen. Lujan once again voiced concern that the FCC’s national broadband map contains major inaccuracies.
FCC
Senators and Witnesses Criticize Accuracy of FCC’s New Map
According to the Subcommittee Chairman Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., up to 37,000 locations in New Mexico are unaccounted for.
Infrastructure
Regulatory Barriers Could Hinder Broadband Deployment, Senate Hearing Panelists Say
Panelists sought streamlined permitting processes on federal lands and in local communities, and reasonably priced pole access.
FCC
Ye Suspended From Twitter, FCC Issues Licenses, Streamlining ReConnect
The musician recently announced a 2024 bid for the presidency.
21st Century FREE Speech Act
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Proposes Section 230 Repeal, Spectrum Innovation Act, E-Rate Bidding
The conservative firebrand attributes says the banning of her personal Twitter is the result of social media’s left-wing bias.
USF
FCC Commissioner Carr Details Steps Needed for 5G, Says Talk of 6G ‘Almost Too Early’
The commissioner also said he thinks Biden will support Big Tech contributions to the Universal Service Fund.
Joe Biden
Democrats Frustrated with Biden Inaction on FCC, Comcast Gets 10 Gbps, Louisiana Wants Widespread Broadband
Democrats frustrated with Biden’s delay on FCC, Comcast tests 10 Gbps speed, Louisiana wants 75% more broadband in six years.
FCC
Senate Subcommittee Hears Broadband Affordability, Regulatory Flex Key to Reducing Hospital Burdens
Health providers testified before a Senate subcommittee that Congress should be open to all forms of telehealth.
Social Media
Congress Must Force Facebook to Make Internal Research Public, Whistleblower Testifies
Frances Haugen testifies in front of the Senate studying protecting kids online after revealing herself as Facebook whistleblower.
