Government & Communications

A new campaign, launched by entrepreneur and investor Scott Galloway, is encouraging people to unsubscribe from services supplied by telecom firms and other companies that are partnered with or otherwise supporting the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the US.

On October 27, 2025, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, raising concerns about California state law A.B.1303, to specifically extend the California Lifeline subsidy to “individuals not lawfully present in the United States.” Chairman Cruz wrote that the FCC "has a legal obligation to ensure that federal benefits it administers, such as the Lifeline program, are not given to illegal aliens." On December 8, Chairman Carr wrote to Cruz, saying "I share your concern that the California law undermines federal law,

Under current law, commissioners at independent federal agencies serve fixed terms and can be removed by the President only “for cause,” meaning for specific reasons such as misconduct or serious performance failures, not simply because the President disagrees with their policy views.

States are working toward approvals that could help them soon begin building out their broadband networks with funds from the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program. Drew Garner, director of policy engagement at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, said this begins with getting plans approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, a step 42 states and three territories have completed.

This essay examines how the national government’s strategy three decades ago shaped the global information environment of today. This will show that humans can use the power of government to do more good than harm. They can win and deserve the trust of the people they are sworn to serve. It is also intended to explain why the lessons of the grand strategy adopted for digital communications three decades ago suggest it is time to create an Artificial Intelligence Commission.

In March 2016, the Federal Communications Commission adopted the Lifeline Reform and Modernization Order (2016 Lifeline Order), which included changes to eligibility verification for enrollment and recertification. The FCC directed the Universal Service Administrative Company to establish a system for independent, third-party eligibility determinations. To accomplish this, USAC built the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (National Verifier) to automate, where possible, and standardize eligibility verification across all states and territories.

Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, has served the telecommunications industry for about 40 years and will retire in March. Bloomfield said that, despite the big technological changes she has witnessed, the industry’s overriding purpose is the same. “At the end of the day, it’s all about connectivity,” she said. “How do you make sure everybody has access? The thing I’ve always loved — and that continues to drive my passion — is working with companies who take to heart their mission to serve their neighbors and their communities.

The House Communications Committee approved the Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act (HR 2474). The bill directs the Government Accountability Office to study whether satellite broadband can be effectively incorporated into broadband projects supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission. The study will assess the capacity and cost-effectiveness of satellite broadband to support businesses and economic development in rural and distressed Appalachian communities. This legislation was introduced by Rep. Dave Taylor (R-OH).

In 2021, the Federal Highway Administration issued a final rule—the “dig once” rule—establishing new broadband infrastructure regulatory requirements for state departments of transportation that receive federal-aid highway program funding. These requirements included (1) identifying a broadband utility coordinator, (2) establishing certain processes to register and notify internet service providers and other entities, and (3) coordinating initiatives with state and local plans.

The Government Accountability Office identified nine requirements and leading practices to oversee and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in awards, including grants, contracts, and loans. Of the five programs reviewed, only the Federal Communications Commission’s Universal Service Program for Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) had documented procedures for all nine. The nine requirements include: