Expert Opinion
Joel Thayer and Matthew Wong: Space Policy Can’t Run on Dial-Up Speeds
A bipartisan push at the FCC and in Congress aims to modernize satellite licensing and clear the backlog threatening American leadership in space.
AI
In the PR Battle for AI Data Centers, Tech Giants Got a Blue-Collar Ally
Tech execs talk of needing to train hundreds of thousands more skilled workers.
Third Way
Bill Introduced to Expand Enrollment of Lifeline Program
State grants would support program outreach and enrollment.
American Federation of Teachers
Senate Introduces Bills Targeting Kids’ AI Safety and Literacy
AI chatbots pose real risks for kids, senators agree.
Congress
House Passes Farm Bill
Rural broadband programs extended through 2031.
Congress
Internal Divisions Force House Republicans to Delay Farm Bill Vote
Meanwhile, House appropriators advance spending bill with $88 million for USDA broadband efforts.
Darren Soto
Congress to Take Up Broadband, Public Safety Bills Under Suspension-of-Rules
House to consider FirstNet reauthorization, USF vetting bill, and others.
Expert Opinion
Gary Shapiro: The War on Platforms is a War on Innovation
The author urges Congress to preserve Section 230 and the legal tradition of regulating bad actors rather than the technologies they use–especially AI.
FCC
FCC Opens Inquiry Into Communications Marketplace
Biennial report will assess marketplace competition, identifying barriers and regulatory needs.
NTIA
NTIA Launches Portal to Speed Spectrum Coordination for Space Launches
The new system replaces a manual, email-based process, aiming to speed approvals and improve transparency, NTIA said.
AI
FCC’s $398 Million Budget Request May Cut 110 Jobs
Despite a budget decrease in FY 2027, the agency is focused on AI and spectrum auctions as priorities
AI
States Race to Win the Tech Economy in 2026 State of the State Addresses
Here’s what 30 governors said about broadband expansion, AI growth, and online child safety.
AI
AI's Arrival Complicates Big Tech Climate Goals, and Some Worry it's Locking in More Fossil Fuels
A backlog of projects waiting to connect to power grids, plus the Trump administration's war on renewable energy also are complicating efforts.
BEAD 2026
Experts Say $21 Billion Remaining BEAD Funds at Risk of Going Unused
Industry leaders push for faster distribution to avoid defaults, delays, and efforts to close the digital divide
USF
Telecom Act Aides Say Partisanship is Behind Lack of Universal Service, Broadband Access
Panelists also discuss the unsustainable funding of the USF and the making of Section 230.
AI
Landowners and Locals are Fighting AI Expansion of High-Voltage Power Lines
High-voltage power lines cost tens of billions of dollars a year and are the latest front line in the battle over tech giants' massive operations.
