Telecom 150
A 1975 Boxing Match Helped Cable Channels Reach the Country
Satellite expanded programming, but most subscribers had one cable provider.
Broadband Mapping and Data
GAO Wants Easier Coverage Challenges at FCC, More Detail on Long-term BEAD Monitoring
USDA officials said a $4.6 billion telecom loan program was largely unallocated, but they expected more interest as grant funding dried up
NTIA
GAO Flags BEAD as Vulnerable to Fraud
BEAD
Questions Remain After NTIA’s Review of Billions in Broadband Grants, GAO Says
Watchdog says NTIA did not provide updated data or outcomes for awards flagged during Trump administration review.
Congress
House Republicans Question Future of Federal Broadband Programs
GAO tells lawmakers fewer broadband programs may be needed after BEAD
NTIA
GAO Renews Pressure on NTIA Over Spectrum, Broadband Coordination
Auditors say agency has implemented just one of 11 priority recommendations issued last year.
USF
E-Rate Advocates Want FCC to Reconsider Bidding Portal
SHLB and a consultant that works with participants said they wanted more time to comment on the April order
USF
Education Groups Opposed to E-Rate Bidding Portal
FCC insists it’s necessary to prevent fraud.
Satellite
Senate Commerce Targets Satellite Security in Next Executive Session
Satellite security and proposed social media warnings headline Commerce committee markup.
LEO
Houses Passes Bill to Expand Broadband in Rural Appalachia
The act directs GAO to study satellite broadband use across 13 states.
USF
FCC Bars 7 Individuals After $14 Million E-Rate Fraud
Those convicted will be suspended from all universal service programs for the next three years.
BEAD
Service Providers and California Officials Warn BEAD Builds Won’t Solve Affordability
Providers cited payment instability and post-construction costs, while officials urged an Affordability Connectivity Program replacement.
Appalachian Regional Commission
House Committee Approves Appalachian Satellite Broadband Bill
The legislation directs GAO to study the use of satellite broadband for economic development in Appalachia.
Funding
GAO: FCC’s E-Rate Has Adequate Anti-Fraud Measures
The program fared the best in GAO’s review of five government subsidies.
NTIA
New BEAD Rules Subject to Congressional Review, GAO Finds
Congress should have received a report before the rules were issued, the watchdog said.
NTIA
Colby Humphrey and Lexi West: America’s Plans to Expand Broadband Could Be Hindered by Workforce
The BEAD program faces potential delays as the telecom industry confronts a projected shortage of skilled workers needed to build infrastructure.
