Rural
Cantwell Ups ACP Money in Updated Draft Spectrum Auction Bill
The proposal would provide $7 billion for the ACP, an increase from the discussion draft.
USTelecom
Experts Suggest Measures to Protect Affordable Connectivity Program at Senate Hearing
Under consideration: Opening the Universal Service Fund to contributions from broadband and Big Tech companies.
Senate Commerce
Congress Should Mandate AI Guidelines for Transparency and Labeling, Say Witnesses
Transparency around data collection and risk assessments should be mandated by law, especially in high-risk applications of AI.
Joe Biden
White House Nominates Basil Gooden as Rural Development Chief at USDA
Gooden would be responsible for overseeing the activities of the Rural Utilities Services, an important broadband funding agency.
Congress
CES 2023: Congressional Oversight, Digital Equity Priorities for New Mexico Senator
Sen. Lujan once again voiced concern that the FCC’s national broadband map contains major inaccuracies.
Infrastructure
Regulatory Barriers Could Hinder Broadband Deployment, Senate Hearing Panelists Say
Panelists sought streamlined permitting processes on federal lands and in local communities, and reasonably priced pole access.
Donald Trump
Supreme Court to Hear Section 230 Case, Small Business Broadband Bill, TikTok Deal Pressure
The highest court in the land will hear a case about the scope of internet platform liability under Section 230.
FCC
At Oversight Hearing, GOP Senators Press NTIA Chief on Rate Regulation, Net Neutrality
Senators on Thursday said NTIA rules set regulated rates and impose net neutrality requirements.
Chips
Incentives Crucial to Domestic Semiconductor and Chip Production, Senate Committee Hears
Technology companies, including Intel, are lobbying for legislation incentivizing domestic production of chips crucial to many sectors.
Senate
National 6G Strategy Bill Passes Senate Commerce Committee
The Next Generation Telecommunications Act received bipartisan support.
Senate
Gigi Sohn Nomination for FCC Advances Out of Commerce Committee on Party Lines
Nomination of Alvaro Bedoya to the FTC can also advance to the floor following a party-line vote.
Energy Department
Biden Encourages House to Pass Technology Innovation Funding Bill
The United States Innovation and Competition Act would, among other things, plow money into semiconductor research and development.
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.
Expert Opinion
Julio Fuentes: Access Delayed Was Access Denied to the Poorest Americans
Big Telecom companies caused months and months of delays in the rollout of the Emergency Broadband Benefit.
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.
IIJA
House Passes Bipartisan Broadband Infrastructure Bill, But Without Reconcilation Measure
After a push by President Biden, House leaders allowed for a vote on the infrastructure legislation, with some GOP support.
