Spectrum
Senate Majority Leader Thune Expected to Prioritize Spectrum
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., would likely rein in Sen. Ted Cruz on USF, experts said.
Rural
NTIA Head Calls GOP Criticism of BEAD 'Election-Year Politics'
He pointed to FCC's implementation of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund under Trump as as a cautionary example.
Biden-Harris Administration
Sen. Thune Berates BEAD Program Progress
White House connects Biden with rural family to show deployment progress
permitting reform
Senate Bill Aims to Streamline Broadband Permitting on Federal Lands
The act aims to accelerate the review process for broadband permits issued by federal agencies.
marsha blackburn
Senate Committee to Vote on Array of AI Bills
One Senate AI bill that would criminalize the publication of non-consensual AI-generated intimate content is set for Senate committee vote on Wednesday.
defense
Senate Commerce Panel Postpones Markup of ACP Bill for a Fourth Time
The Democratic committee chair secured backing from the Defense Department, but committee Republicans still opposed the measure.
defense
Senate Markup of ACP Bill Postponed a Third Time
Departments of Commerce and Defense requested changes Tuesday night.
FCC
Congress Pushes for National Broadband Strategy With NTIA Reauthorization Act
The Act requires the NTIA to harmonize more than 100 federal initiatives to expand high-speed internet. It also increases reporting and oversight requirements.
Second Circuit
Federal Inaction on ACP Spurs State-led Broadband Subsidies
As federal ACP support wanes, state broadband subsidy solutions in New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia offer innovative solutions to maintain connectivity.
JD Vance
GOP Leaders Remain Skeptical Amid Push for ACP Funding
Sen. Ben Ray Luján signaled his USF working group is looking to fold ACP into the fund.
defense
Cantwell Releases Draft Legislation to Restore FCC Auction Authority, Fund ACP, Rip and Replace
The Senate Commerce Committee is planning to vote on the bill at its May 1 markup
Expert Opinion
Deborah Collier: Virginia Fights for Affordable, Accessible Broadband
The author argues that Virginia’s firm stand on BEAD funding serves as a beacon for the states.
defense
Senators Disagree on Spectrum Auction Proceeds
Democratic lawmakers supported using proceeds to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program.
defense
Thune and Cruz Introduce Bill to Reinstate FCC Auction Authority
The bill would also require the NTIA to flag 2,500 megahertz of federal spectrum for repurposing.
FCC
Tech Trade Group Report Argues for USF Funding from Broadband Companies
Consulting firm Brattle Group said in a report the move would be economically sound.
FCC
Telecoms and Tech Giants Disagree on Where to Find More Universal Service Funds
The USF is facing dwindling funds and pending court challenges.
