Federal Communications Commission

Universal Access to Affordable, Reliable Broadband in Kentucky

Kentucky is working to remove barriers to digital adoption by creating opportunities through technology, affordable high-speed internet, and digital skills development for all people and businesses. The goal is to bridge the digital divide and ensure that each citizen can participate in the modern economy and society. Kentucky's affordability strategy leaned heavily on promoting ACP participation by eligible residents and internet service providers (ISPs). Of course, the ACP expired earlier this year due to a lack of funding.

23 Million Americans Navigate Hiked Internet Costs Since the ACP Ended

In May, the $14.2 billion Affordable Connectivity Program officially ran out of money, leaving 23 million households with internet bills that were $30 to $75 higher than the month before. That's if they decided to hang on to their internet service at all: 13% of ACP subscribers, or roughly 3 million households, said that after the program ended they planned to cancel service, according to a Benton Institute survey

GAO Report Underscores Sen. Cruz’s Concerns Over Wasteful Broadband Spending and Hidden Phone Bill Tax

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report requested Sen Ted Cruz (R-TX) that found the Universal Service Fund (USF) operator is burning through cash with only minimal government oversight of its budget. The report confirms the need for greater Congressional oversight of the USF as Sen. Cruz laid out in his Blueprint for Universal Service Fund Reform, published last year.

FCC Issues Citations For Broadband Data Reporting Violations

The Federal Communications Commission issued notices of Citation and Order to eleven broadband providers for failure to file mandatory broadband data. The Broadband DATA Act requires the Commission to collect broadband service availability data twice per year for use in creating coverage maps. The companies that received citations had missed two or more occasions to submit data. The companies are:

After millions lose access to internet subsidy, FCC moves to fill connectivity gaps

The Biden administration is moving to blunt the loss of an expired broadband subsidy program that helped more than 23 million families afford internet access by using money from an existing program that helps libraries and schools provide WiFi hotspots to students and patrons.

Spectrum Completes Rural Broadband Expansion Project in Midland County, Michigan

Spectrum announced the launch of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to more than 440 homes and small businesses in Midland County (MI). Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network buildout will serve residents and businesses in portions of Geneva, Greendale and Jasper Townships.

GAO to Ted Cruz: USAC Is Just Alright With Me

In May 2023, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), the minority leader of the Senate Commerce Committee, sent a letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting an examination of how the Federal Communications Commission administers the Universal Service Fund (USF). The USF consists of money collected from telecommunications companies that is dedicated to fulfilling the goals of universal service.

In Chicago, Democratic Mayors Urge Action to Preserve Affordable Internet

Democratic mayors from major U.S. cities discussed the critical need to maintain affordable internet access for their constituents to mitigate impacts of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program’s expiration. The mayors outlined strategies to bridge the gap left by the program’s end during a discussion hosted by the Democratic Mayors Association at the Democratic National Convention.

Chairwoman Rosenworcel's Response to Members of Congress Regarding the Supreme Court’s Decision on Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo

On July 18, 2024, Members of the House of Representatives wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to call her attention to Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, a recent Supreme Court decision that precludes courts from deferring to agency interpretations when the statutes are ambiguous. [See a similar letter from the Senate's Post-Chevron Working Group.] In its decision, the Court explicitly overruled Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v.

FCC Settles Case Against Provider That Transmitted Spoofed AI-Generated Robocalls for Election Interference in New Hampshire

The Federal Communications Commission reached a settlement to resolve its enforcement action against Lingo Telecom, a voice service provider that transmitted spoofed robocalls that used generative AI voice cloning technology to spread disinformation in connection with a presidential primary election in New Hampshire.  The calls were directed by a political consultant named Steve Kramer in an attempt to interfere in the 2024 New Hampshire primary election.