FCC
FCC Points to Congress on USF, Texas Hires LightBox, Lit Communities Hires Lindsay Miller
The FCC will let Congress make changes to its authority to add contributors to the Universal Service Fund.
Rural
Carr ‘Surprised’ by RDOF Denials, ‘New Normal’ on Supply Chain, $68M for Student Connectivity
Carr said he was notified via press release of the FCC decision to deny RDOF money to Starlink and LTD.
Infrastructure
FCC Should Not Increase Rural Program Obligations in Light of New Federal Funding: Meeting Notes
Opponents say increasing coverage and speed obligations of the ACAM program may be unnecessary with new federal broadband money.
FCC
EU Passes Digital Regulations, Big Tech Shouldn’t Pay into USF, Christopher Ali Joins Penn State
The European Parliament passed two pieces of legislation that are intended to tackle anticompetitive behavior and content deemed illegal.
FCC
FCC Commissioner Supports Rural Telco Efforts to Implement ‘Rip and Replace’
In remarks at the Rural Wireless Association event on Wednesday, Commissioner Geoffrey Starks reaffirmed the FCC’s goals.
FCC
TikTok Data Concerns, Broadband Data Collection System, Internet Access on COVID-19 Mortality
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr is requesting Apple and Google remove the TikTok app over data concerns.
FCC
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel Emphasizes 100 Percent Broadband Adoption
‘It’s about making sure wireless connections are available in 100 percent of rural America,’ said the chairwoman.
Biden-Harris Administration
States Interested in Infrastructure Money, Dish 5G Available to 20% of Americans, Big Tech Contribution to USF
39 states and territories have submitted letters of intent to participate in the NTIA’s Internet for All initiative.
Infrastructure
D.C. Attorney General Sues Zuckerberg, Carr Criticizes Infrastructure Bill Details, Vermont to Expand Fiber Builds
The lawsuit comes years after Facebook was found to have been used to harvest personal data for political purposes.
X (Twitter)
Google Facing App Store Suit, Shareholder Suit Against Twitter Buy, Fiber Optic Technician Training Nationwide
Match Group is suing Google over its alleged restrictive app store billing practices, as lawmakers consider legislation tackling the issue.
FSF
FCC Commissioner Carr Hopes Musk Follows Through on Proposed Twitter Speech Reforms
Carr said he’s “very glad to hear” of Musk’s Twitter purchase, but still thinks Section 230 reform is necessary.
Infrastructure
ATS SpaceMobile Testing Satellite-to-Cell Tech, Simington on Twitter Deal, Lawmakers Call for Better Facebook Oversight
ATS will test technology allowing LEO satellites to provide direct connectivity to cellphones.
FCC
FCC Seeks Comment on Pole Replacement Rules
Revising its pole replacement rules may give providers quicker access to poles in communities for deploying high-speed broadband.
FSF
In FCC Proceeding, Multiple Groups Recommend New General Tax for Universal Service Fund
Calls in contrast to growing support for a broader mechanism including broadband revenues
Labor Department
Apprenticeship Programs Important for Telecommunications Workforce, Agency Leaders Say
The infrastructure bill includes money to put toward building a technical workforce for the future of broadband.
FCC
Federal Communications Commission Proposes Changes to Rural Health Telecom Rules
If formally adopted, the agency would be changing longstanding rural health care telecommunications subsidies.
