FCC
FCC Open, For Now, Amid Partial Government Shutdown
The agency would furlough 80 percent of its employees in the event of an extended lapse.
Expert Opinion
Todd Schlekeway: Extreme Weather Underscores Importance Tower Infrastructure
Tower technicians risk their lives maintaining critical communications infrastructure during severe weather and need policy support.
Spectrum
Dish Defaults on American Tower Payments
Dish is arguing it is exempt from contracts after its parent company EchoStar reached deals to sell much of its spectrum.
universal service
FCC to Vote on Lifeline Reform Next Month
FCC chair says only Americans ‘living and here legally’ should qualify for Lifeline benefits.
AI
State Attorneys General to FCC: Don’t Preempt AI Laws
The agency asked whether to consider AI laws as part of a broader preemption effort.
Cybersecurity
FCC Seeking More Cyber Trust Mark Administrators
The agency is also looking for a new lead administrator after the previously selected testing company stepped down.
Spectrum
Carriers and Satellite Companies at Odds on Millimeter Wave Spectrum
Satellite operators want easier access, which mobile providers fear would upend licenses they purchased.
Spectrum
Tower Companies Continue Push for Conditions on EchoStar Spectrum Deals
Executives urged FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to ensure Dish’s obligations would be paid.
Expert Opinion
Jeffrey Westling: 5G Panic Is the Last Thing America’s Tech Strategy Needs
RFK Jr.'s unfounded 5G health claims threaten U.S. broadband deployment and AI leadership while benefiting overseas competitors.
mergers
California Public Utilities Commission Approves Verizon-Frontier Merger
The deal is now expected to close on Jan. 20, and diversity policies issue resolved.
Public Safety
House Subcommittee Advances Bills on Next Generation 911, FirstNet Oversight
The six public safety communications bills were advanced on a bipartisan basis.
FCC
Carr Grilled on Broadcasting, Also Testifies on Spectrum and Universal Service
The three-hour hearing was largely focused on broadcast regulation and accusations the agency was pressuring media companies critical of the White House.
Infrastructure
AT&T Approved to Discontinue Service at More Than 30% of Copper Footprint This Year
The company wants to decommission much of its copper by the end of 2029.
Spectrum
Dish Defaulted on $3.5 Billion, Crown Castle Says
Dish has argued it is exempt from contracts after its parent company EchoStar reached deals to sell much of its spectrum.
FCC
Maryland’s Attorney Grievance Commission Rejects Bar Complaint Against Carr
The Maryland Bar can reject claims without first hand accounts, despite FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s public comments.
Mobile
FCC Grants Verizon’s Request for Unlocking Waiver
The company had been required to unlock phones after 60 days.
