BEAD
NTIA Approves 9 BEAD Plans, Promises Early 2026 Guidance on Non-Deployment Funds
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth said the agency was ‘operating under the assumption’ states could retain and use non-deployment dollars.
Spectrum
CTIA Wants Defense Bill Spectrum Language Cut
The group joins Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., and the White House.
China
Senate Passes Bill Calling Scrutinizing Ownership of FCC Licensees
The bill would require an annual list of license holders owned in part by the Chinese government, among others.
BEAD
Fischer Wants More Fiber for Nebraska from Trump’s Commerce Department
The Republican Senator did not comment on BEAD non-deployment funding.
Spectrum
Spectrum Fight Flares in Defense Bill Negotiations
Opponents warn outcome could hinder U.S. spectrum auctions and innovation.
USF
TechFreedom Urges Congress to Scrap Universal Service Surcharge
The extra fee appears on consumers’ phone bills to finance rural broadband, low-income, school and library connections.
USF
Participants Urge Against Appropriations for USF
Some commenters said Lifeline benefits should be upped to $30 per month.
Funding
USF Contribution Factor Expected to Hit Record 39.3 Percent
Would represent a 3.3 percentage point increase from Q3 2025.
Funding
Big Telecom Carriers Bankroll the Universal Service Fund
Panelist estimates that AT&T alone pays over $1 billion into the fund
Funding
Lawmakers Open Comment Portal on Future of Universal Service Fund
Working group sought input on the effectiveness of USF programs, proposed reforms
Broadband Mapping and Data
Sens. Fischer, Cortez Mastro Introduce MAP for Broadband Funding Act
Bill pushes FCC to improve functionality and and transparency of broadband spending map
Expert Opinion
Roslyn Layton: With Supreme Court Clarity, It’s Time for Congress to Modernize the USF
The Supreme Court's decision underscores that real reform must come through legislative, not judicial, channels.
Spectrum
Cantwell Opposed to Senate GOP’s Spectrum Language
She cited concerns about protecting airplane altimeters and military systems.
USF
USF Working Group Relaunched
The fund's contribution factor will decrease slightly to 36 percent for the third quarter.
BEAD
Lutnick Promises New Funding Notice for BEAD, Funds Released This Year
Declines to comment on rebidding, or on per-location cost caps
Fiber Connect
Sen. Blackburn Wants More Spectrum in Reconciliation
Other Senate Republicans are looking for more protections for military airwaves.
