12 Days of Broadband
A Full Court Press for Permitting Reform in 2025
Federal agencies and lawmakers made progress in broadband and energy permitting rules in 2025.
permitting
Broadband Industry Wants FCC to Mandate 60-day Shot Clock for Local Permits
Local governments oppose the idea.
BEAD
Broadband Industry Likes New Non-Deployment Bill
The SUCCESS for BEAD Act would allow more spending on infrastructure, but didn’t specify adoption or affordability efforts.
BEAD
Wicker, Capito Introduce Bill to Ensure Use of Non-Deployment Funds
The bill would allow states to spend the money on wholesale fiber, workforce development, and mobile wireless infrastructure, among other things.
Virginia
On Pole Attachments, Industry Groups Battle Over Cost Caps and Utility Control
Comcast cited 13,000 Virginia locations facing delayed deployments from pole disputes.
permitting
Senate Unveils RAIL Act Days After House Advances Its Own Version
The bill would set permitting deadlines for work in railroad rights-of-way.
Commerce
USTelecom Presses FCC to Rein in Permitting Costs, Timelines
‘More green lights, less red tape,’ the group’s CEO said.
Cybersecurity
Cantwell, Gomez Don’t Want FCC to Repeal Cybersecurity Rule
The agency will vote on repealing a January order that expanded cybersecurity obligations for telecom providers.
Communications Act
Cities Oppose FCC Inquiry into Speeding Wireline Permitting
Broadband carriers, meanwhile, push the FCC for 60 to 90 day shot clocks, citing months long permitting delays.
Infrastructure
California Bill Tightens Scrap-Metal Rules, Raises Theft Penalties
Backed by cities, utilities, and broadband groups statewide
Infrastructure
U.S. Broadband Spending Hit Record $90 Billion in 2024
Cumulative private investment topped $2.2 trillion
Justice Department
Spectrum Licenses Create Property Rights: USTelecom
The group said the government should have to compensate license holders if it seizes their airwaves.
FCC
‘How Do We Call for Help?’ Rural Residents Push Back on FCC’s Copper Retirement
Wildfire survivors, first responders, seniors and rural residents warn that landlines remain essential.
Privacy
FCC Data Breach Order Under Review, Agency Says
The telecom industry still wants a court decision upholding the rules overturned.
Congress
House Panel Pushes GOP-Led Broadband Permitting Package
Twenty-nine-bill slate would impose shot clocks and narrow environmental reviews to speed broadband deployment.
USF
Rural Telcos Urge Focus on Operational Expenses for Universal Service
WISPA said the smallest ISPs shouldn't have to contribute.
