Democracy
Is the FCC an Independent Agency? Legal Experts Say Yes
Experts dispute FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's denial of agency independence
Spectrum
FCC Sets June 2026 Auction Date for AWS-3 Spectrum, Expands Robocall Rules
Carr said agency was not independent: 'Any FCC commissioner can be fired by the president for any reason, or no reason at all'
Spectrum
FCC Must Prioritize Public Interest in Future Spectrum Auctions, Senators Say
Sen. Schumer and colleagues push FCC to put consumer protections first in upcoming allocations
Free Speech
Senators Press FCC Chair for First Time Since Kimmel Controversy
Senators confront Carr on broadcast influence, consolidation, and FCC independence
mergers
California Public Utilities Judge Seeks Diversity Goals in Verizon Merger
An administrative judge at the CPUC recommended approval, but only with extra DEI requirements.
USF
Universal Service Fund Contribution Factor Projected at 37.6% in 2026
Believe it or not, that 37.6 percent is down from the current 38.1 percent.
12 Days of Broadband
America Loses Dish, a National Wireless Carrier, in 2025
Is the EchoStar saga a success story for spectrum entrepreneurship, or cautionary tale about consolidation in wireless?
Spectrum
American Tower: Dish Not Forced to Sell Spectrum
The tower company is asking a judge to prevent Dish from exiting its lease after major spectrum sales.
Free Speech
FCC Chairman Faces Scrutiny Ahead of Wednesday Senate Oversight Hearing
Groups call on senators to probe Brendan Carr’s use of public interest and news distortion policies
enforcement
CTIA, Chamber of Commerce Want FCC Forfeiture Process Struck Down
The Supreme Court will deliberate Jan. 9 on whether to weigh in on the issue.
12 Days of Broadband
Broadband Affordability Falters in 2025
In spite of the political salience of 'affordability,' federal rollbacks, industry pressure, and stalled state efforts took a toll on low-income Americans' broadband.
BEAD
Uncertain Reactions to the Executive Order on AI and BEAD Non-Deployment Funds
Experts said tying the funding to favorable state AI laws could raise legal issues, but states weren’t certain to litigate.
AI
White House Issues Order Pledging to Withhold BEAD Funds From States With 'Onerous' AI Laws
Order tones down language of leaked draft, but continues restriction on dispensing remaining BEAD funds to states with 'onerous' AI laws.
Spectrum
WISPs Continue Push for FCC to Preserve CBRS
Dozens of wireless ISPs have written to the agency on the issue this month.
Public Safety
Rep. Fulcher Presses FCC to Move Faster on GPS Backup
New filings deepen debate over terrestrial GPS alternatives.
12 Days of Broadband
Where to Find 800 Megahertz of Spectrum For Auction?
Citizens Broadband Radio Service hasn’t got an explicit defense from the Trump administration, but the FCC hasn’t said it intends to alter it.
