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.
SpaceX
FCC Approves 7,500 More Starlink Gen2 Satellites
The agency said the move would improve SpaceX’s satellite broadband service.
enforcement
Supreme Court to Review FCC’s Ability to Issue Fines
Mobile carriers want justices to find the agency’s process unconstitutional.
Spectrum
Dish to Colo. Judge: Don’t Uphold American Tower Contract
Two tower companies have sued to prevent Dish from exiting lease agreements after major spectrum sales by its parent company.
broadcasting
CES2026: Carr Outlines FCC Spectrum, AI, and Broadcast Priorities
In a fireside chat, Chairman Brendan Carr cited progress on C-band, 6 GHz, and a national framework for artificial intelligence.
Spectrum
FCC to Consider New Higher-Power, Outdoor Devices at 6 GigaHertz
Wi-Fi supporters were pleased with the announcement.
Cybersecurity
FCC Looking for New Cyber Trust Mark Administrator
The previously selected testing company stepped down after an FCC probe into its ties to China.
People
People: New FCC Chief Economist, USTelecom Promotions
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's new top economist is University of North Carolina economics professor Jonathan Williams.
