ACP
Will Congress Permanently Extend the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The program is helping low-income households afford internet access, but some experts warn that the fund will soon be depleted.
Senate Commerce
How Long Will it Take Congress to Revamp the Universal Service Fund?
Critics urged the FCC to expand the fund’s contribution sources, but the agency chose to punt the decision to Congress.
FCC
New AT&T Fiber Venture, Mixed Outcomes for Big Tech Bills, Capping Predatory Prison Phone Rates
AT&T’s new Gigapower joint venture will build fiber outside the company’s current footprint.
Fabric
FCC Finally Releases Federal Broadband Map, But State Officials Have Doubts
Some fear that state offices will lack the necessary resources to fully participate in the fabric challenge process.
Infrastructure
Broadband Industry Grapples With High Inflation and Acute Workforce Shortage
Between supply chain disruptions and the rising price of goods, the increased costs of fiber deployment could be pushed onto consumers.
FCC
High Demand for Spectrum Necessitates Increased Cooperation and New Sharing Programs
The FCC licensed a significant amount of the limited available spectrum before its authority to do was set to expire.
FCC
Lack of ‘Rip and Replace’ Money, NCTA Rejects Speed Tests for Mapping, FBA Reports Lots of Fiber in 2022
The FCC and industry have said there is a shortfall in rip and replace funding.
FTC
Omnibus Bill Includes FCC Spectrum Auction Extension, TikTok Ban on Government Devices
The spending package includes an extension of the FCC’s auction authority to March 2023.
BDC
Innovation Fund Consultation Launched, Broadband Mapping for Apartments, Digital Discrimination Clarity
Comments on the $1.5B fund are due January 27, 2023.
Congress
FCC GOP Commissioner Endorses Satellite Streamlining Bill
The Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act would ease FCC permitting for the rapidly growing satellite industry.
Broadband Live
As States Take Action Against TikTok, Major Privacy Legislation Seems Unlikely
Californians’ opposition to the ADPPA’s preemption provision may be the end of the comprehensive bipartisan privacy bill.
USDA
Sen. John Thune Launches Broadband Oversight Effort
Thune distributed a letter dated Tuesday seeking stakeholder input.
FCC
Carr Advocates Release of More Spectrum as Deadline to Extend FCC Auction Authority Looms
Allowing the FCC’s authority to auction spectrum to expire would be “unacceptable,” Carr said.
Infrastructure
Congress Working to Enact Permitting Reforms for Broadband
‘Red tape really does have the possibility to kill project,’ argued a House subcommittee chief counsel.
FCC
NTIA to Seek Public Comment on Developing Spectrum Strategy: Official
‘The immediate goal is to create a detailed list of [spectrum] bands for intensive examination.’
FCC
Lines Are Sharpening Over Who Drives the Future of Universal Service: Congress or Broadband Providers?
Big communications companies want Congress to tax telecom, while many others want higher fees on broadband service.
