Public Safety
Senators Eye More Oversight with FirstNet Authority Reauthorization
House lawmakers also circulated draft legislation that would give NTIA more power over FirstNet authority.
Public Safety
Law Enforcement Groups Want More Competition for FirstNet Authority Dollars
Both groups are suing the FCC to prevent FirstNet, operated by AT&T, from accessing more spectrum.
12 Days of Broadband
Where to Find 800 Megahertz of Spectrum For Auction?
Citizens Broadband Radio Service hasn’t got an explicit defense from the Trump administration, but the FCC hasn’t said it intends to alter it.
USF
Universal Service Fund Working Group Looking for FCC Briefing
Lawmakers are considering how best to reform the fund.
BEAD
Bipartisan Senators Want to Keep Non-Deployment Funds
Six GOP Senators signed on to a Tuesday letter to the NTIA.
Spectrum
Lawmakers Unveil Defense Bill Without Spectrum Veto Language, AI Moratorium
President Donald Trump said he would sign an executive order on AI this week.
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
