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US wireless carriers to launch joint venture to address rural 'dead zones'

US wireless carriers to launch joint venture to address rural 'dead zones'

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, May 14 (Reuters) - Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile said on Thursday that they agreed in principle to form a new joint venture that seeks to address long-time coverage gaps especially in rural areas by using satellite-based technologies.
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FCC approves Verizon's $1 billion spectrum purchase

FCC approves Verizon's $1 billion spectrum purchase

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, May 14 (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission said on Thursday it has approved Verizon's 2024 $1 billion deal to acquire some spectrum assets from U.S. Cellular to expand its network capacity and coverage. Last year, after T-Mobile acquired most of U.S.
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Former ABC News Journalists Back Network Against FCC's Equal Time Rule Inquiry

Former ABC News Journalists Back Network Against FCC's Equal Time Rule Inquiry

More than 100 former ABC News journalists have signed an open letter supporting ABC as it challenges the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over its investigation into 'The View' and the enforcement of the equal time rule. The letter, organized by former ABC News correspondent Lisa Stark and former executive Ian Cameron, commends ABC and The Walt Disney Co. for defending free speech. ABC argues that the FCC's actions, which include questioning talk shows critical of President Trump while ignoring conservative radio shows, constitute political retaliation rather than regulatory enforcement. The network highlights a 2002 FCC ruling that exempted 'The View' from the equal time rule, which mandates broadcasters to provide equal airtime to political candidates upon request. However, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has recently challenged this exemption, launching an inquiry into whether ABC's Houston station should have documented the appearance of a Democratic Senate candidate on 'The View'.
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BEAD Program Guidance May Delay Broadband Funding, Favoring Starlink

BEAD Program Guidance May Delay Broadband Funding, Favoring Starlink

BEAD Program Guidance May Delay Broadband Funding, Favoring Starlink
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BEAD Program Update Seen as Advantageous for Starlink Amid Regulatory Confusion

BEAD Program Update Seen as Advantageous for Starlink Amid Regulatory Confusion

BEAD Program Update Seen as Advantageous for Starlink Amid Regulatory Confusion
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FCC's Proposed Lifeline Reforms Criticized by Broadband Advocates

FCC's Proposed Lifeline Reforms Criticized by Broadband Advocates

Broadband advocates have criticized the FCC's proposed reforms to the Lifeline program, which provides subsidies for telecommunications services to low-income households. The reforms, led by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, aim to enhance program integrity but have been met with opposition from public interest groups. These groups argue that changes such as expanded identity verification and full social security number collection could reduce participation and increase administrative costs. They also express concerns about data security and the potential impact on low-income and immigrant communities.
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FCC's Proposed Lifeline Reforms Criticized by Broadband Advocates for Potential Impact on Low-Income Households

FCC's Proposed Lifeline Reforms Criticized by Broadband Advocates for Potential Impact on Low-Income Households

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed reforms to the Lifeline program, which provides subsidies for telecommunications services to low-income households. The proposed changes, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, aim to enhance the program's integrity by expanding identity verification and requiring full social security number collection. However, public interest groups, including Public Knowledge and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, have criticized these reforms, arguing they will reduce participation and increase administrative costs. The groups warn that the changes could widen the connectivity gap for low-income individuals and pose security risks due to the collection of sensitive personal information.
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FCC approves $40 billion sale of EchoStar spectrum to SpaceX, AT&T

FCC approves $40 billion sale of EchoStar spectrum to SpaceX, AT&T

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, May 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission said Tuesday it approved EchoStar's $40 billion sale of wireless spectrum to SpaceX and AT&T because the move would boost connectivity across the country.
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Skylo Seeks FCC Approval for Major Expansion of Satellite Device Connectivity

Skylo Seeks FCC Approval for Major Expansion of Satellite Device Connectivity

Skylo Seeks FCC Approval for Major Expansion of Satellite Device Connectivity
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FCC Commissioner Supports Disney in Free Speech Dispute Over ABC Licenses

FCC Commissioner Supports Disney in Free Speech Dispute Over ABC Licenses

The Walt Disney Co. is embroiled in a legal battle with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over the review of its ABC network's broadcast licenses. FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez, the panel's only Democrat, has publicly supported Disney, criticizing the FCC's actions as a coordinated campaign to pressure media outlets critical of President Trump. The FCC has initiated an early review of Disney's broadcast licenses, which were not due for renewal for another two to five years. This move requires Disney to provide extensive documentation to prove its stations serve the public interest. Additionally, the FCC has questioned the exemption granted to ABC's 'The View' from providing equal airtime to political candidates, a standard exemption for news programs. Disney has challenged this inquiry, arguing that the exemption was granted in 2002 and remains valid.
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Comcast Accuses Utility Company of Violating FCC Pole Replacement Order

Comcast Accuses Utility Company of Violating FCC Pole Replacement Order

Comcast Accuses Utility Company of Violating FCC Pole Replacement Order
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US House lawmakers press Paramount CEO on Warner Brothers acquisition

US House lawmakers press Paramount CEO on Warner Brothers acquisition

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, May 12 (Reuters) - Two U.S. House Democrats asked Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison on Tuesday to disclose if he or the company offered to make changes to CNN's coverage of President Donald Trump in exchange for approval of a tie-up with Warner Brothers Discovery.