Congress
House Commerce Advances 10 Bills on Telecom, Cybersecurity, Infrastructure
Bills targeting U.S. wireless leadership, subsea cable expansion, and cybersecurity took center stage.
Texas
Texas Halts $55.6 Million Digital Equity Program over NTIA Uncertainty
State advises potential applicants to pause efforts.
Starlink
Starlink Unveils Limited $80 a Month Plan in 14 States
‘Residential Lite’ comes with a 33% discount on the traditional plan
Digital Inclusion
Digital Equity Grantees Hopeful Amid Uncertainty
The Biden NTIA recommended more than $600 million for broadband adoption efforts.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Broadband Institute Introduces $9.44 Million Launchpad Program
The program will address gaps identified in the state’s digital equity plan
Expert Opinion
How Should Secretary Lutnick Reform the $42 Billion Broadband Program?
For $849 million, Americans should expect modern data analytics, cost analysis, and competitive auctions to deploy billions of dollars of funding.
California
California Opens BEAD Funding Window to ISPs
State set to receive nearly $2 billion from NTIA.
BEAD
Pew Calls on NTIA to Disclose BEAD Waivers
Without public disclosure, states lack clarity on how NTIA has granted BEAD waivers.
LEO
AI Boom Drives Demand for Fiber Data Center Infrastructure
Shortages in power and semiconductors render fiber the only solution to sustain AI growth, panelists said.
Congress
Senate Confirms Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary
Lutnick, confirmed 51-45, has emphasized commercial growth in broadband, spectrum, and artificial intelligence.
BEAD
Lawmakers Renew Bill to Address Permitting Delays on Federal Lands
The bill comes as state officials push for reforms to environmental and historic preservation permitting rules under BEAD.
Funding
NTIA Cancels Broadband Grantee Workshops
The meetings were intended to give guidance to participants.
Spectrum
Cable and Wireless Lobbyists Go to War Over Spectrum Auctions
Mobile carriers and cable heat up spectrum dispute as Congress works to reauthorize the FCC's ability to auction spectrum licenses.
satellite
Ellis Scherer: State Satellite Programs Offer Lessons for U.S. Broadband Deployment
LEO satellite technology is proving to be a cost-effective, high-quality solution for broadband deployment, the author writes.
Funding
Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition Defends Universal Service
Beyond legal battles, SHLB will push for swift broadband expansion and sustainable digital opportunity efforts
Spectrum
Wireless Carriers, Consumer Advocates Want Spectrum Studies to Continue
The FCC legal ability to auction off spectrum lapsed in March 2023 over concerns DoD spectrum could be sold off.
