Telecom 150
The 1950s, When the Big Three Networks Had an Advantage Built Right Into America’s TV Sets
It wasn’t legislation that limited American television to three national networks – it was the FCC
FCC
The Federal Communications Commission is the regulator of telecommunications, television, wireless, cable, satellite and radio-frequency spectrum in in the United States.
USF
Court Finds FCC’s Broadband Funding Vehicle Violates a 1945 Federal Law
The agency violated the Government Corporation Control Act when it created the Universal Service Fund’s administrator, judges ruled
Expert Opinion
Matthew Kandrach: Wi-Fi is America’s Secret Weapon for Wireless Competition
Wi-Fi empowers cable providers to challenge traditional carriers
Cybersecurity
Router Maker TP-Link Proposing $1 Billion Investment in U.S. Manufacturing
The company said lawsuits over its China ties were attempts to block its request for a waiver from the Trump administration’s foreign router ban
BEAD
Vernonburg Estimates 900K Remaining BEAD Locations, $5.3 Billion in Extra Deployment Costs
An ACLP analysis found that in 69 percent of BEAD project areas, broadband networks had already been built out to 20 percent of locations
USF
Schools, Libraries Defend $2.5 Billion E-Rate Program to FCC
Industry groups also supported continued funding amid concerns from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr
FCC
NTIA Estimates Up to 1 Million Locations May Need Broadband Funding
NTIA needs new FCC coverage data before determining how many locations could qualify for another funding round
BEAD
NTIA Focused on Making New BEAD Round as Accurate as possible, Roth Says
The agency is waiting on new FCC broadband coverage maps, which it expects will be released ‘soon’
Drone Light Show Industry Urges FCC Not to Classify Its Equipment as ‘Military-Grade’
Manufacturers warned that a rapid shift to U.S.-made equipment could reduce safety because domestic suppliers remain limited.
Cybersecurity
Four States Suing Major Router Manufacturer Over China Ties
TP-Link accounts for a significant portion of the U.S. consumer router market
FCC
University of Illinois Survey Finds Rural Broadband Gaps Persist for Farms, Households
A survey found widespread dissatisfaction with rural broadband speeds
FCC
FCC Proposes More Than $10 Million in Lifeline Fines
The proposed penalties come as the FCC scrutinizes subscriber eligibility
USF
Three Former FCC Commissioners Advocate to Continue E-Rate Program
Commissioners argue necessity of E-Rate program as billions could be on the line.
Telecom 150
From New Deal's Electrification Loans to a Rural Broadband Dispute
Nearly nine in 10 American farms lacked electricity in 1930. In response, Washington financed an unusual kind of utility: Cooperatives owned by the rural customers they served.
SHLB
USF Reform Could Put Hyperscalers, Data Centers on the Hook
AI companies could help reshape how broadband subsidies are funded.
Funding
Ending E-Rate Would Reduce U.S. Real GDP by $4.2 Billion, Says Advocate
SHLB and other E-Rate supporters commissioned a new report from the Brattle Group
