June 2024

FCC Clarifies the Fast Lane Prohibition

The Federal Communications Commission made some changes to the recent Net Neutrality Order between the version that got approved on April 25 and the final version that was released to the Congressional record. One of the most interesting changes was to clarify rules pertaining to carriers creating fast lanes. The original order included language that prohibited paid prioritization, which is generically referred to as fast lanes.

The ACP is not dead yet

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) came to a close at the start of June, due to a lack of funding and a failed effort in Congress to pass extended appropriations in time. But the program is not entirely dead yet. A couple of potential paths forward have reemerged in Congress.

Cable Controlled 75% of U.S. Mobile Growth in Q1, Is Exploiting Convergence Advantage Over Wireless, Analyst Says

Cable operators controlled more than 75 percent of U.S. net additions for wireless customers in the first quarter, according to a new tally published by equity analyst Craig Moffett. Simply put, cable operators are able to bundle discounted bundles of fast, reliable wireline home broadband and mobile that are undercutting the offerings of wireless giants. “Cable’s success owes to a very clear advantage,” Moffett wrote in a Thursday morning report.

Leichtman Research Group Ends Distribution of Public Reports

Leichtman Research Group, which has published well-regarded quarterly tallies of U.S.

In Europe, fiber's the future, but HFC has a long life ahead

Much as it is in North America, Europe's wireline future is tied to fiber. However, widely deployed hybrid fiber/coax (HFC) networks will continue to live on and support customers for years to come. Fiber is clearly the fastest-growing access technology in Europe.

Michigan bill will ensure equal pricing for telehealth, in-person visits for MedicaidMichigan bill will ensure equal pricing for telehealth, in-person visits for Medicaid

Michigan Medicaid patients need only Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's signature to be able to pay the same rates for telehealth as they do for in-person doctor's visits. HB 4580, sponsored by Rep. Felicia Brabec, D-Pittsfield, has already passed the Senate and House.

Dynamic Competition in Broadband Markets: A 2024 Update

In mid-2021, the International Center for Law & Economics (ICLE) published a white paper on the state of broadband competition in the United States, which concluded that: