November 2023

Fixed wireless expands the overall broadband market

The telecommunications industry has been adding fixed wireless access (FWA) subscribers at a clip of between 900,000 and 1 million per quarter over the past five quarters, according to New Street Research. And the analysts say, “We expect similar results over the next two quarters, with T-Mobile targeting around 500,000 per quarter and Verizon targeting 375,000-400,000 per quarter.” FWA has claimed more than 80% of industry broadband adds in the U.S.

Sponsor: 

Subcommittee on Communications and Technology

House Commerce Committee

Date: 
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 10:30

Witnesses will be announced and are by invitation only, and the hearing livestream will be available at http://energycommerce.house.gov 



Charles Benton Digital Equity Champion Awards

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance is accepting applications for the 2024 Digital Equity Champion Awards. Named for Charles Benton, the founder of Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, NDIA created the awards to recognize leadership and dedication in advancing digital equity: from promoting the ideal of accessible and affordable communications technology for all Americans to crafting programs and policies that make it a reality. NDIA presents two awards: the Digital Equity Champion Award recognizes an outstanding ind

FCC December 2023 Open Meeting Agenda

Here’s what to expect at the Federal Communications Commission's December open meeting.

  • We’re going after junk fees that harm consumers and hamper competition.
  • We’re cracking down on illegal robotexts.
  • We’re making smartphones more accessible to consumers with hearing loss.
  • We’re removing barriers to broadband deployment.
  • We’re improving health care in rural communities.
  • We’re protecting consumer data.
  • We’re protecting local TV programming.
  • We will also consider an item from our Enforcement Bureau.

Chairwoman Rosenworcel Announces Proposal in Continued Fight Against Video Service Junk Fees to Promote Competition

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced a proposal to eliminate video service junk fee billing practices by cable operators and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service providers and study their impact on consumer choices. The proposal will be voted on during the December 13, 2023 Open Meeting. TV video service subscribers may terminate service for any number of reasons, including moving, financial hardship, or poor service.

AT&T execs stress importance of BEAD geographic areas

In response to claims that Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding wouldn't amount to much, Jeff Luong, VP of Network Engineering at AT&T said that the combination of public funds in addition to private investments will be a lot of money that will allow for “the industry, and us as a country, to expand connectivity.” Asked what he would recommend to states that are trying to figure out the best solution, Luong said, “The best way for states to approach that challenge is to create a process, a system that encourages as many providers to participate as possible.

States will soon dole out federal funding for broadband internet. Not every state is ready for the task

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program differs from previous federal broadband programs because it promised to allocate the funding to individual states and allow them to figure out the best way to distribute the funds. Once states receive their broadband funding, they still have to set up a mechanism to request proposals from internet service providers, grade the proposals that come in, and o