China
Chinese Entities Blacklisted, Surveillance of Facebook Users, TikTok Algorithm Changes
Commerce and Treasury departments will bar investment and exports for Beijing-aligned companies.
Infrastructure
Alan Davidson’s NTIA Nomination Clears Commerce Committee, On to Senate Floor
The committee did not raise Gigi Sohn’s nomination during its meeting.
FCC
Local Government Advisors Concerned by Delay in Sohn Confirmation Process
They also believe Alan Davidson will be viewed more favorably to head the NTIA.
Antitrust
Former FTC Commissioner Calls for Increased Antitrust Enforcement Resources
An American Enterprise Institute panel proposed Congress increase regulator resources rather than actively try to hinder Big Tech.
precision agriculture
Virginia Plans 90% Broadband, Precision Agriculture Connectivity Task Force, Ookla Buys RootMetrics
Gov. Northam announced funding that he hopes would bring Virginia’s broadband penetration up to 90 percent.
Broadband Live
Broadband Breakfast Live Online on December 29, 2021 — New Years’ Party, and Looking to 2022
Join Broadband Breakfast for our annual New Years’ Party as we look over the last year of broadband developments.
USF
FCC Commissioner Carr Details Steps Needed for 5G, Says Talk of 6G ‘Almost Too Early’
The commissioner also said he thinks Biden will support Big Tech contributions to the Universal Service Fund.
China
Biden Acts on Surveillance, Florida Broadband Maps, Free State Wants Constitutional Spectrum
The administration’s efforts are mostly directed at curtailing the Chinese government.
Infrastructure
TPI New Broadband Map, Justice Dept. Stands for Section 230, Ericsson Looks to Acquire Vonage
TPI released their broadband map, which tracks speeds, availability, and adoption rates across the country.
FCC
Senators, Citing Funding Influx, Press Need to Confirm Rosenworcel
Senators pointed to FCC’s initiatives on mapping, which will need to be good to maximize federal funds for broadband.
Rural
Need for Infrastructure Bill Accountability, California Broadband Projects, Broadband In Wisconsin
Rural advocates are asking for accountability for infrastructure bill spending on broadband.
House
Telecom, Online Marketplace Consumer Protection Bills Pass House Committee
Among the bills sent to the House, the committee passed two on telecom and one on consumer safety.
FCC
Eighty Civil Society Groups Ask for Swift Confirmation of FCC, NTIA Nominees
The groups sent a letter emphasizing the need for internet access expansion ahead of Wednesday confirmation hearings.
Evelyn Remaley
Industry Reacts to Infrastructure Signing, DISH Signs Carriage Deal with Sinclair, Bring Your Own RAN
Industry reactions to Biden’s signing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 on Monday.
Awesta Sarkash
Infrastructure Bill Signing, CT Small Businesses Lack Internet, Pennsylvania Broadband Office
The White House is holding a signing ceremony for President Biden to sign the infrastructure bill into law.
Benton
Biden Signs Chinese Equipment Ban, Aviation on C-Band, Michael Copps Op-Ed
The newly signed bill puts the U.S. on the offensive against Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE.
