On March 17, Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) introduced the No Lifeline for the Dead Act (H.R. 7963). Rep. Obernolte says the legislation would strengthen oversight and accountability in the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program.
U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss struck down part of President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting funding for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service, ruling that it was unconstitutional retaliation that violated their press freedom rights under the First Amendment. The May 1, 2025, executive order, titled “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media,” cut off funding to public media—with President Trump calling out what he perceived as left-wing bias in NPR’s and PBS’s news reporting. “The message is clear,” wrote Judge Moss in an opinion.
U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick partnered with AT&T to secure an additional $2 billion in value to benefit public safety under the First Responder Network Authority Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network contract. The deal is the result of a collaborative process to deliver greater benefits to public safety users who rely on FirstNet and better value for taxpayers. Specifically, as part of the deal, AT&T will:
On March 20, the Trump White House released its National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence. It is filled with worthy aspirations such as protecting children, promoting innovation, and ensuring American leadership. But it sidesteps the most important question in AI governance: Who is in charge of those in charge?
Timely discussions on the policies shaping our digital future. The Forum features leaders from our nation’s broadband providers sharing insights from their critical work connecting our communities, as well as a conversation with special guest FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
Special Guest
Featured Speakers
Americans are fed up with how much they pay for internet-based services and are taking steps to reduce their bills, according to a recent report from Reviews.org, following up its 2025 Consumer Trust Survey. Another closely related takeaway was that people resent being surprised by hidden costs. The report found that 67% switched or considered switching internet providers if they feel their provider has hidden fees or presented them with unexpected charges. That figure was up from 56% last year.
© 1994-2026 Benton Institute for Broadband & Society. All Rights Reserved.
