Big Tech
Public Knowledge Pushes for Digital Platform Regulator
Proposal weighs feasibility of creating an independent commission, executive agency, or standards body.
Digital Inclusion
Bipartisan PLAN Act Reintroduced in House
Legislation intended to bring broadband to more Americans
Congress
Senate Confirms Trump Nominee Mark Meador to FTC on Party-Line Vote
Meador confirmed amid a legal challenge by two ousted Democratic FTC commissioners.
Defense Department
FCC Nominee Olivia Trusty Vows to Balance DoD-Industry Spectrum Demands
During nomination hearing, Trusty pledges to protect universal service while advancing next-gen connectivity.
Section 230
TAKE IT DOWN Act Passes House Commerce, But Not Without a Fight
Democrats warn the law will fall flat without a functional FTC to enforce it.
Funding
USF Funding Exceeded $8.5 Billion in 2024
USAC says spending increased by more than $400 million over 2023
Section 230
House and Senate Democrats Demand Answers from Carr Over Media Investigations
The efforts are not termed ‘investigations,’ but - signed only by Democrats - demand answers from Carr.
Congress
Congress Accelerates Tech Agenda with House Markup of Key Bills
House panel revives broadband, cybersecurity, and supply chain bills.
SpaceX
House Bill Could Open Appalachian Broadband Funds to Starlink
GAO study would evaluate whether the Appalachian Regional Commission should fund LEO providers.
SpaceX
NTIA Nominee Roth Mostly Noncommittal on Key BEAD Issues
Roth offered no guarantees that states won’t have to restart BEAD subgrantee selections.
Congress
Thune: More Congressional Review Act Votes Coming
Wi-Fi hotspots CRA still pending.
Democracy
Terminated FTC Democrats Vow to Take Trump to Court
A federal judge reversed a similar attempt by Trump, and an FTC lawsuit might be next.
FCC
FCC Commissioner Starks to Resign ‘This Spring’
With Starks leaving, Carr could have a majority sooner than he expected.
Congress
BEAD Tax Bill Costs $2.5 Billion in First Six Years, Analysis Shows
Joint Committee on Taxation in 2023 Put 11-Year Cost at $578 million
Congress
Blumenthal Probes FCC’s ‘Intrusive Investigations’ Into Media Firms
Senate Democrat wants answers on FCC investigations into Comcast, ABC, CBS, NBC, NPR, and PBS.
Commerce
Senate Commerce Advances Semiconductor Bill, Amid CHIPS Act Uncertainty
Committee moves forward six bipartisan telecom bills, including CHIPS Act supplement
