Digital Inclusion
AT&T Says it Will Keep DEI Policies in Place Ahead of Merger
Company could face standoff with FCC Chairman Carr, but AT&T already rolled back major DEI policies in March.
Commerce
Illinois Moves Forward on BEAD as Federal Overhaul Looms
Ports commission urges Congress not to stall broadband rollout, as state launches second funding round
Briefs
Senate Commerce Committee Passes NET Act
FCC would need to evaluate impact of network equipment supply chain on broadband access.
Briefs
SiFi Partners with Viasat to Bring Fiber to Escondino, California
Company promises first connections to occur this year
Briefs
Ripple Fiber to Merge with HyperFiber
Fiber optic provider continues its rapid expansion.
Briefs
New Internet Plans Launched by Sparklight
Plans are expected to help low-income families.
Briefs
Blackfoot Communications Defaults on Hundreds of RDOF Locations
Surrendered locations could be eligible for BEAD funding.
SpaceX
Starlink Waives Equipment Fee in Select Areas With 12-Month Commitment
Musk’s company tries to deal with a pain point.
SpaceX
American Partnering with Viasat and Intelsat on In-flight Wi-Fi
United has a deal with Starlink, and Delta is partnered with Viasat and Hughes
Mary Bono Mack
Joel Thayer Named Chief of Staff to FTC Commissioner Mark Meador
Thayer is well known in Washington policy circles for his work on telecommunications.
Briefs
Comcast Launches Five-Year Price Guarantee on Xfinity Internet Plans
The price lock will simplify pricing and add value for consumers, the company says.
Briefs
Law Firm Advises Employers on Navigating FCC DEI Investigations
Littler emphasizes that DEI efforts must comply with anti-discrimination laws.
Rip and Replace
Rip and Replace Funding Available, FCC Says
The agency was authorized to borrow $3 billion from the Treasury to cover the shortfall.
Briefs
Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Broadband Theft and Vandalism
The bill would amend federal criminal law to explicitly include broadband facilities under protections for communications infrastructure
Charter
Charter Finalizes $49.5 Million Purchase of Bardstown Connect
The city will continue managing customer service and billing until Charter assumes full control
Infrastructure
House to Hold Hearing on AI, Infrastructure, and U.S. Global Competitiveness
Guthrie emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure to support the expansion of AI
