Press Release

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) led 13 Senate Commerce Republicans in introducing a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) that would nullify a partisan FCC order. As adopted, the Biden administration’s Wi-Fi Hotspot Order expanded the Universal Service Fund (USF) to subsidize Wi-Fi hotspots for off-campus use by schoolchildren. This partisan order, strongly opposed by then-Commissioner Brendan Carr and Commissioner Nathan 

This third Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will invest in software solutions for industry verticals and integration automation to further drive Open Radio access Network (Open RAN) adoption. It is comprised of two specific research focus areas:

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr announced the appointment of additional FCC leadership positions. 

• Tom Sullivan, Acting Chief of the Office of International Affairs.
• Ira Keltz, Acting Chief Engineer, Office of Engineering and Technology.
• Catherine Matraves, Acting Chief of the Office of Economics and Analytics.
• Katie Gorscak, Acting Director of the Office of Media Relations.

Spectrum announced the launch of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to more than 3,100 homes and small businesses across McMinn and Meigs Counties (TN). Spectrum’s multi-year Rural Construction Initiative is an investment of approximately $9 billion – partly offset by over $2 billion in government support funding – that will ultimately connect approximately 1.75 million new homes and small businesses across the country.

The Healey-Driscoll administration and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) announced $12,671,242 to expand internet in locations unserved and underserved by broadband in 96 cities and towns across the state.

The Federal Trade Commission approved a motion to give Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson authority needed to comply with President Trump’s executive orders ending DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion] across the federal government. A motion to grant that authority to the Chairman was approved by a vote of 2-1-2. Commissioners Rebecca K. Slaughter and Lina M. Khan did not participate.

Federal Communications Commissioner Geoffrey Starks announced the following changes to his team. Milla Anderson, formerly Commissioner Starks’ Policy Advisor, departed the FCC.  Anderson joins the private sector. Following Anderson’s departure, Kiara Ortiz will be serving as Acting Legal Advisor. Ortiz comes from the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau where she is Legal Advisor to the Bureau Chief.  She began her career at the FCC as an Honors Attorney.  She has a J.D. from American University Washington College of Law and a B.A. from Spelman College.  

Rep Rick Allen (R-GA) introduced the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025. This legislation extends the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) spectrum auction authority and seeks to ensure the efficient allocation of mid-band spectrum, a resource critical for the advancement of 5G and next-generation technologies. Specifically, the bill:

Two Penn State faculty members recognized for their expertise in broadband and digital access helped shape an effort that secured a five-year, $11.9 million grant that aims to benefit residents of the city of Philadelphia. Christopher Ali and Sascha Meinrath both members of the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, co-funded and help run the Pennsylvania Broadband Research Institute (PBRI), which is a partner in the grant.

Sens Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) are announcing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is awarding $24.8 million to expand broadband and digital skills training across Maine. Awarded through the NTIA’s Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, this Maine funding will ensure communities have the access and skills to fully participate in the digital world, regardless of their background or circumstances.