USF
Telecom Act Aides Say Failure to Define Broadband Sparked Years of Regulatory Fights
At the Benton Institute event, panelists reflect on successes and failures of the Telecom Act of 1996
Expert Opinion
Debra Berlyn: Online Scams and Older Adults: It’s Just One Battle After Another
Scam losses among Americans 60 and older have quadrupled since 2020 to over $2.4 billion, with AI-powered fraud making it increasingly difficult for consumers of all ages to distinguish real communications from fake ones.
Supreme Court
Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Sweeping Tariffs, Upending Central Plank of Economic Agenda
Administration officials have said they expect to keep the tariff framework in place under other authorities.
BEAD 2026
Rep. Greg Landsman to Speak at BEAD Implementation Summit
Keynotes join panels: State broadband roundtable, technology choices in BEAD, using remaining BEAD funds, and capital constraints on financing
Data Center
As Electricity Costs Rise, Everyone Wants Data Centers to Pick Up Their Tab. But How?
Data centers keep spreading fast, and some use as much electricity as a small city.
Expert Opinion
John Haraburda: What Telco Must Do Next on STIR/SHAKEN
Major carriers sign 85% of voice traffic while smaller carriers manage only 17.5%. We need AI-powered solutions to combat robocall fraud.
SpaceX
Jessica Dine: We Have the Tools to Head Off the Newest Digital Divide
If the NTIA would let us use them...
Expert Opinion
Brett Guthrie: Dominance, Deployment, and Safeguards – The Path for American AI Leadership
America must prioritize AI innovation over heavy regulation to outcompete China and maintain technological leadership.
Maine
Vienna, Maine, Looks to Grow Fledgling Muni Network
Vienna, Maine's municipal fiber network signed up 240 households immediately but must reach 270 subscribers for viability while competing against incumbent ISPs' promotional offers.
Broadband's Impact
They Came Not to Bury, But to Praise the Telecom Act of 1996
The biggest failure, according to panelists? The continued digital divide
Energy Department
Trump Administration Scraps Solar Projects in Puerto Rico as Grid Crumbles
The Energy Department said that a push under Puerto Rico’s former governor for a 100% renewable future threatened the reliability of its energy system.
Elissa Slotkin
Senate Bill Would Reauthorize USDA Middle-Mile Broadband Program
House companion bill introduced in August remains in committee
AI
Militant Groups Are Experimenting With AI, Risks Expected to Grow
Washington has responded with calls to investigate how militant groups are using AI and encourage tech companies to share more about how products are potentially being misused.
AI
Should BEAD Non-Deployment Funds Be Linked to AI? How Should Funds Be Spent?
Experts disagreed on conditioning broadband funding on state AI regulations, balancing digital economy goals against legal constraints.
Expert Opinion
Wayne Brough: Don’t Let the NDAA Derail America’s Spectrum Pipeline and Tech Leadership
An NDAA provision granting Pentagon veto authority over spectrum reallocation could block commercial wireless expansion.
Defense Department
California Rep. Calls for Guardrails as Preemption Fight Shapes AI Talks
Ted Lieu, D-Calif., said state rules not ideal, but unavoidable until Congress sets baseline protections.
