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Agenda
- Modernizing Spectrum Sharing for Satellite Broadband: The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would promote efficient spectrum sharing between geostationary and non-geostationary satellite systems. To take account of today’s satellite technology and operations and to promote efficient co-existence and expanded services to American consumers, the item would review power limits developed in the 1990s on non-geostationary satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service systems for the protection of geostationary satellite networks. (SB Docket No. 25-157)
- Utilizing the Lower 37 GHz Band : The Commission will consider a Report and Order, Sixth Report and Order, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking establishing a licensing framework for use of the 37–37.6 GHz band (Lower 37 GHz band). (WT Docket No. 24-243; GN Docket No. 14-177)
- Caller ID Authentication on Non-IP Networks to Block Robocalls: The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes to develop a framework for evaluating whether non-IP caller ID authentication solutions are developed and reasonably available, as required by the TRACED Act, proposes to conclude that certain existing solutions satisfy those requirements, and proposes to require that providers that continue to rely on non-IP networks implement non-IP caller ID authentication solutions. (WC Docket No. 17-97)
- Clarifying Foreign Ownership Rules: The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would set clear expectations about the Commission’s review under section 310(b) of the Act of foreign investment in common carrier wireless, aeronautical radio, and broadcast licensees to reduce unnecessary burdens on industry while continuing to protect the public interest, including national security, law enforcement, foreign policy, and trade policy. (GN Docket No. 25-149)
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration after millions of dollars in grants to state libraries were terminated abruptly through the Trump administration’s efforts to illegally shutter the agency that administers them. This threatens federal funding to California libraries that support library staff and critical library programs, including literacy and language tutoring and summer reading and activity programs. Attorney General Bonta joined the lawsuit alongside the attorneys general of New York, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. This is California’s 12th lawsuit against the Trump administration.
California sues Trump administration after funding for critical library services threatened
The White House Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, issued two revised policies to facilitate responsible AI adoption to improve public services. These policies fundamentally shift perspectives and direction from the prior Administration, focusing now on utilizing emerging technologies to modernize the Federal Government.
- Promoting Rapid and Responsible AI Adoption: M-25-21 gives agencies the tools necessary to embrace AI innovation while maintaining strong protections for Americans’ privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.
- Driving Effective and Efficient AI Acquisition: M-25-22 provides agencies with concise, effective guidance on how to acquire best-in-class AI quickly, competitively, and responsibly.
Fact Sheet: Eliminating Barriers for Federal Artificial Intelligence Use and Procurement
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) is demanding answers from the artificial intelligence nonprofit, Future of Privacy Forum, over its having used federal grant money to advocate for states to adopt AI laws. Sen Cruz raises concerns about the group’s advocacy for AI regulations aligned with the Biden administration’s political agenda, such as policing speech and embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in AI code. He is also reviewing FPF’s federal grants amid concerns that the organization attempted to obscure its support for Biden’s AI regulatory agenda. FPF was a key player in the creation of a bill introduced in the Texas state legislature called the Responsible AI Governance Act. The original bill mirrored strict EU-style AI regulations, such as a pre-approval testing mandate before AI could be used and safety standards that aligned with Biden-era policies. As initially written, TRAIGA would have imposed broad liability on AI developers, creating a regulatory framework for algorithmic discrimination and bias.
Sen. Cruz Investigates AI Nonprofit for Potential Misuse of Taxpayer Funds
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr announced the tentative agenda for the April Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2025:
- Modernizing Spectrum Sharing for Satellite Broadband: The FCC will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would promote efficient spectrum sharing between geostationary and non-geostationary satellite systems. To take account of today’s satellite technology and operations and to promote efficient co-existence and expanded services to American consumers, the item would review power limits developed in the 1990s on nongeostationary satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service systems for the protection of geostationary satellite networks.
- Utilizing the Lower 37 GHz Band: The Commission will consider a Report and Order, Sixth Report and Order, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking establishing a licensing framework for use of the 37–37.6 GHz band.
- Caller ID Authentication on Non-IP Networks to Block Robocalls: The FCC will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes to develop a framework for evaluating whether non-IP caller ID authentication solutions are developed and reasonably available, as required by the TRACED Act, proposes to conclude that certain existing solutions satisfy those requirements, and proposes to require that providers that continue to rely on nonIP networks implement non-IP caller ID authentication solutions.
- Clarifying Foreign Ownership Rules: The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would set clear expectations about the Commission’s review under section 310(b) of the Act of foreign investment in common carrier wireless, aeronautical radio, and broadcast licensees to reduce unnecessary burdens on industry while continuing to protect the public interest, including national security, law enforcement, foreign policy, and trade policy.
FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for April Open Meeting
Nevada is vast—covering over 110,000 square miles—and despite substantial federal funding for broadband expansion, the state faces unique challenges. Rugged terrain, remote communities, and geographic isolation create significant barriers to digital access. The High-Speed Nevada Initiative is designed to overcome these hurdles by strategically combining federal, state, local, and private investments to bridge the digital divide.
In this episode of Fiber for Breakfast, we’re joined by Brian Mitchell, Director of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) and head of the State of Nevada's Broadband Office, to discuss the groundbreaking work happening across the state. Brian will share insights into the phased approach of this initiative, its focus on precise mapping, and why thoughtful planning is key to success.
Tune in as Brian and FBA President and CEO Gary Bolton explore the intersection of technology, policy, and broadband’s future in Nevada. Together, they’ll
Ontario already tore up a $100 million Starlink deal. Now Yukon is following suit—freezing Elon Musk’s satellite service, cutting Tesla incentives, and logging off X as part of its retaliation against U.S. tariffs on Canada’s auto sector. Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai (Liberal) announced the territory’s next phase of its response to sweeping U.S. auto tariffs, following discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney (Liberal) and fellow premiers about the Trump administration’s 25 percent levy on imported vehicles, which took effect April 3. “These tariffs will directly impact Canadian auto workers and...leave Canadians—and Yukoners—uneasy about their futures,” Premier Pillai said.
Starlink Becomes Punching Bag Amid Global Backlash to Trump Tariffs
Major publishers call on the US government to ‘Stop AI Theft’ (Vox)
Submitted by zwalker@benton.org on Mon, 04/07/2025 - 14:48Spectrum announced the expansion of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to more than 230 homes and small businesses in previously unserved or underserved addresses in portions of northeast Dane County and southeast Columbia County (WI). Spectrum’s multi-year Rural Construction Initiative is driven by an approximately $7 billion private investment from Charter and will ultimately connect approximately 1.7 million new homes and small businesses across the country. This latest effort includes portions of the Village of Windsor, and towns of Bristol and Hampden in the rural area north of U.S. 151 between Sun Prairie and Columbus.
Spectrum Expands Gigabit Broadband, Mobile, TV and Voice Services in Dane, Columbia Counties, Wisconsin