AI
House Includes 10-Year Ban on States Regulating AI in Budget Bill
The provision is tucked into the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s sweeping markup, would be a major boon to the AI industry.
Digital Equity Act
Texas Opens $3.8 Billion Broadband Grant Window
BEAD applications due August 1 in the state that pushed for looser rules.
Congress
House Commerce Advances $88 Billion Spectrum Auction Plan, Turning Back Amendments
Democrats fail in bid to redirect spectrum funds to broadband affordability, 911 infrastructure, or cybersecurity in reconciliation bill.
Digital Inclusion
Sen. Murray: Canceling Digital Equity Grants Illegal
NTIA webpages related to the programs were down Wednesday.
Defense Department
Guthrie Wants FCC Spectrum Auction Pipeline to Raise $88 Billion
The House Energy and Commerce Committee is marking up its contribution to a budget package on Tuesday.
Digital Inclusion
Uncertainty Follows After Trump Targets Digital Equity Programs
The Infrastructure Act provided $2.75 billion in digital equity funding.
AI
Data Center Investment for AI Critical in Race Against China: Altman, Tech Execs
By 2028, data centers could consume up to 12% of the nation’s electricity.
Congress
Senate Votes to Repeal Biden FCC’s Wi-Fi Hotspots Rule
House companion effort led by Rep. Fulcher expected to move next.
Defense Department
Cantwell Opposed to Auctioning Military Spectrum
Republicans are working to include a spectrum pipeline in an upcoming budget bill.
Digital Inclusion
Senate Advances Effort to Reverse New FCC Funding for Wi-Fi Hotspots
A similar measure has been introduced in the House.
5G Wireless
Federal Leaders Call for Immediate Spectrum Action at CTIA 5G Summit
Three top officials promised to deliver on commercial spectrum.
Congress
Senators Press Trusty on FCC Independence, Diversity, and Universal Service
Democrats warn of growing White House influence over regulators.
Chips
Senate Panel Advances Trusty’s FCC Nomination
Committee also approves FACT Act and another bipartisan bill impacting FCC operations.
Congress
Trusty Gets Her Commerce Committee Vote on April 30
Senate confirmation would give Republicans a 3–2 FCC majority.
SpaceX
Chris Scharrer: Why Would SpaceX Need $20B from BEAD?
$3.5B can buy 6.4 million Starlink residential installations. Starlink is a practical short-term stopgap before fiber.
Funding
Digital Equity Grant Winners Not Notified of Official Pause
The awards, recommended under the Biden administration, are under budgetary review.
