Federal
FCC Announces Carriers that have accepted Enhanced A-CAM Support
The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) announced carriers that have accepted offers of model-based Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) support. Carriers were required to elect such support on a state-by-state basis by Friday, September 29, 2023 by submitting an election letter to the Bureau.
Shaping the Future of Digital Equity: Communicating Your Feedback
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act Programs are critical for communities in need of access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet. Recently, NTIA requested input from our stakeholders through a Request for Comment (RFC).
Net Neutrality Is Still Needed Despite Its Quiet Hiatus
The debate around “net neutrality” is back, only this time there is even less chance that the matter will be settled for good. Consumers’ online rights still need protection, and restoring them for an open internet is worthwhile. Those pointing to internet service providers’ (ISP) “good behavior” are being disingenuous at best. The 2018 decision to reverse the Federal Communications Commission's earlier net neutrality rule was being challenged in court until 2020, by which point several states had set up or had in motion their own net neutrality regulations in the absence of a federal one.
Sound Broadband: Spectrum Holder LICT Makes Big FWA Moves
LICT is best known as a rural broadband consolidator, but several months ago the company quietly added Sound Broadband to its holdings, not through an acquisition, but organically.
The Road to Internet Governance Forum 2023
At the upcoming Internet Governance Forum (IGF) from October 8 to 12 in Kyoto, Japan, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications & Information, Alan Davidson, will join government officials from the European Commission, Kenya, and IGF host Japan to convene a multi-stakeholder dialogue on how to realize the principles enshrined in the Declaration for the Future of th
One Giant Leap for Mobility: Recapping the 2023 5G Challenge
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is working to foster the development of an open 5G wireless ecosystem to help the private sector bring new life and innovation to a marketplace held back by few vendors and little competition. NTIA's 5G lab at the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, partnered with the Department of Defense for the 2023 5G Challenge. The 2023 5G Challenge tested whether an open 5G ecosystem can work in real world scenarios.
Google Fiber's Open Letter to State Broadband Leaders on Planning for BEAD and Future Deployment Efforts
Google Fiber is pleased to submit the recommendations below for broadband leaders to consider as they structure their BEAD Five-Year Action Plans and Initial and Final Proposals. Over the past decade, GFiber has launched gigabit-speed internet service in nearly 20 major metropolitan areas, setting a new standard for internet speeds, climbing to the top of industry rankings in customer satisfaction, injecting meaningful competition into a fossilized industry, and driving other providers to upgrade the speeds and service they offer their customers.
Rep Kevin McCarthy removed as House speaker in unprecedented vote
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted as House speaker after failing to withstand a rebellion among far-right dissidents, as the House voted for the first time in history to remove its leader and entered a period of unpredictability and paralysis. Rep. McCarthy later announced he would not seek the position again, setting up an expected intraparty battle for the position second in line to the presidency. House Republicans now need to select a new leader and find consensus for funding the government by mid-November or again risk a shutdown.
New Net Neutrality Rules Could Threaten Popular Services
Net neutrality regulations have been dead for years, and they should stay that way. Unfortunately, the Federal Communications Commission has moved to reopen and re-litigate the issue. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has initiated a new rule-making that would enact what are largely the same net neutrality rules tried back in 2016. The law has changed and markets have changed, and yet the arguments for and against net neutrality have largely remained the same.
The FCC says net neutrality would be a boon for national security. Some disagree.
When Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel unveiled plans to restore net neutrality, she said reinstating the rule would “give the FCC and its national security partners the tools needed to defend our networks from potential security threats.” The rule—which gives the agency broad powers to regulate internet service as a utility, akin to water or electricity—hasn’t historically been invoked fo