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FCC's New E-Rate Bidding Portal Faces Opposition from Schools and Libraries

FCC's New E-Rate Bidding Portal Faces Opposition from Schools and Libraries

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a significant change to the E-rate program, which provides funding to connect schools and libraries to the internet. Starting in July 2027, the FCC will centralize competitive bidding activity for E-rate funds into an online portal managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). This move aims to enhance transparency and prevent fraud, as stated by FCC Chair Brendan Carr. However, a coalition of schools, libraries, and state coordinators has expressed concerns, arguing that the new system could complicate the already regulated process. The coalition fears that the centralized portal may conflict with existing state and local procurement rules, adding unnecessary complexity and potentially discouraging participation from smaller and rural applicants.
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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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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 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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EchoStar Faces FCC's $2.4 Billion Escrow Condition Amid Spectrum Sales

EchoStar Faces FCC's $2.4 Billion Escrow Condition Amid Spectrum Sales

EchoStar Faces FCC's $2.4 Billion Escrow Condition Amid Spectrum Sales
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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 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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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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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 agency says Chinese drones and routers can get software updates through 2028

US agency says Chinese drones and routers can get software updates through 2028

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, May 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission said on Tuesday it will allow Chinese drones and consumer routers sold in the United States to get critical software updates at least through the end of 2028.
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EchoStar's $40 Billion Spectrum Sale to AT and SpaceX Approved by FCC

EchoStar's $40 Billion Spectrum Sale to AT and SpaceX Approved by FCC

EchoStar's $40 Billion Spectrum Sale to AT and SpaceX Approved by FCC