Infrastructure
Maine Set to Become First State to Halt New AI Data Centers
Lawmakers cited rising electricity demand and environmental impacts as AI infrastructure expands.
Data Center
Sanders, AOC Introduce Bill to Pause Data Center Growth
The bill represents hesitation and concern for data centers among some lawmakers and communities.
Commerce
New Senate Bill Would Halt Federal Funding for Trump’s AI Executive Order
Legislation filed as an amendment to the upcoming Senate appropriations package.
Data Center
Consumers Are ‘Subsidizing the Cost of Data Centers’: Senate Dems
Lawmakers press Trump administration on link between Big Tech’s AI buildout and higher household energy bills.
SpaceX
Protesters Disrupt Carr’s First FCC Meeting Since Kimmel Suspension
Demonstrators denounce ‘Carr, the censorship czar,’ calling for his removal.
mergers
FCC Approves Skydance–Paramount Merger Amid ‘Back-Door’ Deal Allegations
Commissioner Gomez declined to commit to probe
Commerce
Paul Dabbar Confirmed as Deputy Secretary of Commerce
'It is absolutely ridiculous that the secretary can just decide I like this or don’t like that,' said Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev. 'He has no right to rescind our money.'
Digital Inclusion
Black Church Group Supports T-Mobile, UScellular Merger
Organization believes merger will increase network range and affordability.
BEAD
Montana, Oklahoma, and Vermont BEAD Initial Proposals Approved
Three states will receive a combined $1.6 billion in BEAD money.
Chevron Doctrine
Senate Republicans, Democrats Split over Chevron Doctrine
'After years of confusion and uncertainty, the Supreme Court overruled Chevron, restoring integrity, transparency, and constitutional adherence to the federal judiciary,' Crapo said.
Chevron Doctrine
Senate Democrats Offer Bill to Restore Chevron Doctrine
'The Supreme Court’s overturning of Chevron undermines our government’s ability to promote worker safety, ensure clean air and water, and protect consumers,' said Sen. Warren.
Verizon
Democratic Senators Concerned About T-Mobile-UScellular Merger
'Additional consolidation in the market would have far-reaching effects, reducing choices for consumers,' Senate Democrats say.
Community Broadband
Vermont CUD Maple Broadband Moving Quickly To Expand Access
Vermont Community Broadband Board says it has completed the first phase of its network.
Wi-Fi
Rosenworcel Defends FCC's Authority to Expand E-Rate to WiFi Hotspots
The FCCs responsibility is to keep universal services in line with evolving telecommunications, Rosenworcel says.
Infrastructure
Hawley Calls For Ban On Large Corp Mergers, Chip Shortage Coming For Routers, Big Telecom Breakup
April 12, 2021 – Senator Josh Hawley, R-MO, shared with Axios a new proposal that would bar corporate giants from acquisitions and strengthen century-old antitrust laws. “This country and this government shouldn’t be run by a few mega-corporations,” Hawley told Axios. The Republican Party “has got t
Abell Foundation
FCC Asked To Include States In Mapping, Maryland’s $300M For Broadband, Energy-Saving STB Agreement
April 6, 2021 – Senate Democrats and independents are pushing the Federal Communications Commission to include state, regional and tribal governments in its development of more accurate broadband maps, according to a letter dated April 1. “We strongly urge you to incorporate the voices of state, loc
