December 2022

Providers weigh price hikes as customers more jittery than ever

Could the major telecom operators increase prices on customer bases already reeling from general cost-of-living increases and other economic uncertainty? Executives from AT&T and Verizon both seemed to leave the door open to that possibility, but new research suggested that could be a very risky move. EY issued a report titled, “The top 10 risks in telecommunications,” which identified “Insufficient response to customers during the cost-of-living crisis” as the No.

Q&A: Senator Thune on his new broadband oversight effort

Senator John Thune (R-SD) is no stranger to broadband issues. The senator previously served as Chairman for the Senate Commerce Committee and today helps oversee the telecom industry as the ranking member on the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband. Sen Thune launched a new broadband oversight effort, sending letters to more than 30 industry associations including CTIA, NTCA, NCTA, and WIA, public interest groups, and free market advocates seeking feedback on the current state of broadband regulation. What prompted it?

Sens. Thune and Wicker Call Out US Commerce Department IG for Neglecting Mandated Broadband Oversight Duties

To ensure taxpayer dollars are used in the most efficient manner possible, Congress required the Commerce Department's Inspector General (IG) to review the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program grants and make recommendations to address any waste, fraud or abuse.

Wireless internet providers champion CBRS model amid CTIA attempts to quash it

Soon after CTIA released its latest study supporting its argument for more licensed spectrum, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) shot a letter over to lawmakers asking for more shared spectrum, similar to the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) model. Signed by more than 200 companies in the WISP ecosystem, the letter urges lawmakers to support the 3.5 GHz CBRS model for future spectrum bands, such as 3.1-3.45 GHz.

Applying Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Monies to Workforce Development

With trained telecommunications workers in short supply and in high demand across the country, investing in workforce development is critical over the next five years. Fortunately, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program provides funding, regulation, and guidance to create and sustain the personnel necessary to build and maintain the nation’s critical infrastructure. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allows the $42.45 billion in BEAD money to be used in workforce and job training.