Public Notice
South Central Connect Requests CAF II Deployment Waiver
South Central Connect (SCC) petitioned the Federal Communications Commission for (1) a waiver of the FCC’s Connect America Fund Phase II Auction (“CAF II”) default rules, and buildout obligations that are based on the FCC’s use of Connect America Cost Model (“CAM”) data; and (2) revision of SCC’s defined CAF II deployment obligations and support as identified by the CAM to reflect the number of actual locations on the ground as identified by Fabric data.
BEAD Waiver Notice
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program rules require states to submit a Final Proposal no later than twelve months after the date upon which the Assistant Secretary approves the Eligible Entity’s Initial Proposal. The rules also allow the Assistant Secretary may grant a waiver for Final Proposal deadlines in extraordinary circumstances.
Fifth Circuit Vacates FCC's Fine of AT&T in Customer Data Case
AT&T seeks review of a Federal Communications Commission forfeiture order. In an internal proceeding, the Commission found that AT&T violated section 222 of the Telecommunications Act by mishandling customer data and fined the company $57 million. AT&T’s petition argues, among other things, that the in-house adjudication violated the Constitution by denying it an Article III decisionmaker and a jury trial. Guided by SEC v. Jarkesy, 603 U.S. 109 (2024), we agree with AT&T.
Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century
President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum calling on the Council on Environmental Quality, in consultation with the National Energy Dominance Council, to issue a plan for modernizing the technology used for Federal environmental review and permitting processes for infrastructure projects. This plan will guide agencies as they use technology to digitize permit applications, expedite reviews, enhance interagency coordination on projects, and give sponsors more transparency and predictability on project permitting schedules.
FCC Announces Availability of Additional Funding for the Rip-and-Replace Program
On December 23, 2024, the Spectrum and Secure Technology and Innovation Act was enacted, authorizing the Federal Communications Commission to borrow from the Treasury of the United States up to an additional $3.08 billion to carry out the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. The FCC has now borrowed the full amount authorized under the statute.
Directing the Repeal of Unlawful Regulations
President Trump issued a memorandum to the heads of executive agencies directing the review and repeal of unlawful regulations without a period for notice or comment.
Reducing Anti-Competitive Regulatory Barriers
President Trump issued an executive order directing executive agency heads, in consultation with the Attorney General and Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, to begin the process of eliminating anti-competitive regulations. "Federal regulations should not predetermine economic winners and losers. Yet some regulations operate to exclude new market entrants. Regulations that reduce competition, entrepreneurship, and innovation—as well as the benefits they create for American consumers—should be eliminated.
Addressing Risks from Chris Krebs and Government Censorship
President Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum removing former Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency head Christopher Krebs' security clearance. The Memorandum also directs the Attorney General to conduct a review of Krebs' activities as a government employee. "I hereby direct the heads of executive department and agencies to immediately take steps consistent with existing law to revoke any active security clearance held by Christopher Krebs.
FCC Addresses Petitions for Reconsideration of Enhanced A-CAM Order
In this Order on Reconsideration, the Federal Communications Commission address several petitions for reconsideration (PFRs) of the Enhanced A-CAM Order, which established the Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (Enhanced A-CAM) program as a voluntary path for supporting broadband deployment of at least 100/20 Mbps throughout the rural areas served by carriers that previously received A-CAM support and in areas served by legacy rate-of-return support recipients. Among other requests, Petitioners encouraged the FCC to extend the Enhanced A-CAM Program’s deployment milestones by
Extensions of telehealth access options
The Federal government took a range of steps to expedite the adoption and awareness of telehealth. Some of the telehealth flexibilities have been made permanent while others are temporary. Telehealth policies allow: