NTIA
New BEAD Rules Subject to Congressional Review, GAO Finds
Congress should have received a report before the rules were issued, the watchdog said.
Free Speech
Senators Press FCC Chair for First Time Since Kimmel Controversy
Senators confront Carr on broadcast influence, consolidation, and FCC independence
12 Days of Broadband
2025 Was a Year of More BEAD Turmoil
Based on tentative results, about 65% of BEAD locations are in line for fiber. Another 22% will get satellite, and 10% will get fixed wireless.
BEAD
Uncertain Reactions to the Executive Order on AI and BEAD Non-Deployment Funds
Experts said tying the funding to favorable state AI laws could raise legal issues, but states weren’t certain to litigate.
AI
White House Issues Order Pledging to Withhold BEAD Funds From States With 'Onerous' AI Laws
Order tones down language of leaked draft, but continues restriction on dispensing remaining BEAD funds to states with 'onerous' AI laws.
12 Days of Broadband
Where to Find 800 Megahertz of Spectrum For Auction?
Citizens Broadband Radio Service hasn’t got an explicit defense from the Trump administration, but the FCC hasn’t said it intends to alter it.
Spectrum
Lawmakers Unveil Defense Bill Without Spectrum Veto Language, AI Moratorium
President Donald Trump said he would sign an executive order on AI this week.
12 Days of Broadband
With Denunciation of Digital Grants as ‘Woke Handout,’ $2.5 Billion in Funding Scrapped
As of Dec. 5, the government had not yet filed its response.
AI
Scalise: No AI Moratorium in National Defense Authorization Act
President Donald Trump is still eager to preempt state AI laws.
Digital Inclusion
NTIA to Review Federal Spending on Broadband, Tech for Education
The agency is holding an online listening session on the issue Dec. 10.
12 Days of Broadband
12 Days of Broadband: Brendan Carr, Deregulator or Speech Police?
The Federal Communications Commission's 39% problem
FCC
California Petitions FCC to Restore Funding for Off-Campus Wi-Fi
FCC’s September rollback of hotspot and school bus Wi-Fi support ‘abrupt and unfounded,’ CPUC says.
AI
Draft Executive Order Would Tie Non-Deployment Funding to State AI Regulation
The draft would direct NTIA to withhold funds if states regulate AI companies too heavily.
Rural
FCC Chair Offers Few Specifics on Universal Service Reforms
NTCA’s Bloomfield worries Carr’s push for USF ‘efficiency’ could hurt rural providers
Spectrum
CTIA Wants Defense Bill Spectrum Language Cut
The group joins Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., and the White House.
Free Speech
Senate Commerce Schedules FCC Oversight Hearing
Session follows bipartisan concern over Chairman Brendan Carr’s perceived threats toward broadcast licensees.
