by Pivot
Author: Randy Sukow
A Data Center Middle-Mile Solution Could Also Serve Rural Broadband Providers
The potential exists for internet exchange points to lower latency not just for data centers, but for all rural broadband providers.
Supreme Court Takes a Close Look at USF Contributions
During questioning, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch said his belief that the USF contribution system “is so clearly a tax.”
Rural Electric Cooperative Introduces AI as a Service
VoltWrite materials describe it as a “private” AI platform. “It’s not an open model,” says Dairyland VP and CIO Nate Melby.
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Will Not Reconsider FCC Title II Decision
With Brendan Carr taking over at the FCC, it is unlikely that the commission will ask the courts to review the Title II decision.
Congress and Commerce Department Begin Major BEAD Overhaul
After a statement from Commerce Secretary Lutnick, Rep. Hudson announced the introduction of the SPEED for BEAD Act to Congress.
Supreme Court Will Hear Universal Service Case on March 26
Since the Supreme Court agreed to hear the Universal Service Fund case, interested parties have been filing friend-of-the-court briefs.
Report From Congress Summarizes AI Effect on Vital Industries
The report recommends Congress “ensure that AI and the energy grid are a part of broader discussions about grid modernization and security.”
Broken USF May Require a Congressional Solution
The current system is broken,” said former FCC Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth about the Universal Service Fund.
Program Consolidation, Audits, Alternative Technologies Could Be Among BEAD Changes
The BEAD Program has yet to distribute a single dollar — will changes only delay broadband projects even more?
Comments Tie Data Center Needs to Infrastructure and Workforce
The Wireless Infrastructure Association data center comments pointed to workforce needs, especially in the broadband industry.
Supreme Court to Consider Universal Service Fund: Panelists Say It’s a Good Time to Redesign
Supreme Court announced Friday, November 22, that it will hear and decide whether the Universal Service Fund is constitutional.
Sixth Circuit Title II Oral Arguments on FCC Definitions Center on Major Questions
The case turns on whether internet is included in the definition of a “telecommunications service,” which Congress delegated to the FCC.
Rural Organizations Still Find Flaws in Broadband Reporting
In general, NTCA said, the current broadband reporting process must rely less on figures the marketing departments use to describe coverage.
BEAD Alternative Technology Advocates Call for “Right Tool for Right Job”
The draft policy clarifies that BEAD would cover alternative technologies when no fiber or “reliable broadband” proposals are on the table.
AI Drives Demand for Data Centers; Is it a Rural Business Opportunity?
The NTIA and the Department of Energy want to measure the size of current data center boom related to AI and other factors.
NTCA and ACA Say BEAD Must Continue to Prioritize Fiber Over Alternative Technologies
NTCA/ACA Connects said that states should “first fund those BEAD [alternative technologies] that bring fiber closest to eligible locations.”
Wireless Industry Checks in With NTIA on 6G
As NTIA calls for comments, the government and wireless industry are staking out the parameters of sixth generation (6G) wireless.
FCC Hopes 60-day Unlocking Makes Mobile Service More Affordable
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would require mobile service providers to unlock phones within 60 days after activation.
Industry Presses the FCC to Keep Funding Broadband Growth
USTelecom, the Fiber Broadband Association, and NTCA were among those filing comments to inform an FCC broadband report.
FCC Cyber Trust Mark Aims to Ease Consumer Minds on IoT
Under the Trust Mark program, IoT devices meeting the program’s security requirements would bear the “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark.”
Rural Commenters Claim Flaws in FWA Providers’ Broadband Data; WISPA Responds
A coalition of rural wireless carriers said the FCC isn’t getting enough challenge data. NTCA and NRECA also commented; WISPA rebutted.
Report: Broadband Isn’t the Only Precision Agriculture Barrier
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) noted a range of concerns impacting precision agriculture adoption.
Dissent Arises as FCC Ponders E-Rate Funding for Off-Campus Hotspots
In comments filed with the FCC about a proposal for E-rate hotspot funding, some stakeholders argued that the move would enable
