Wireless Internet

On April 20, the House of Representatives approved six communications-related bills that could impact broadband deployment initiatives and enhance emergency communications networks. Five of the bills will now move to the Senate for review; one will head to President Trump's desk. Here's a look at the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act, the Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act, the Emergency Reporting Act, the Mystic Alerts Act, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, and the Rural Broadband Protection Act.

The Federal Communications Commission's Space Bureau granted AST SpaceMobile a permanent license to operate the company’s foundational satellite system.

Everyone knows Verizon’s in turnaround mode, big time.

Comcast reported results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Highlights include: 

In an experience that is probably familiar to everybody, in the last few months I’ve found myself unable to get a cell signal in places I routinely visit. At the pharmacy, the only cell coverage I could find was directly next to the front windows. I went to my doctor and found I couldn’t get any reception while biding my time in a waiting room. There was no signal in the back half of the grocery store. I know my experience is not unique, and I regularly see other people grumbling in these locations about the lack of cell signal.

AT&T reported first-quarter results, achieving its fastest-ever year-over-year organic growth in its advanced connectivity convergence rate, with nearly 45 percent of advanced home internet subscribers also choosing AT&T wireless. Customers are increasingly purchasing their internet and wireless together from AT&T, highlighting the strength of the Company's differentiated, investment-led strategy to drive converged advanced connectivity at scale. Highlights include:

Starlink has threatened to shun Australia's satellite mobile market if it is forced into a spectrum auction.

I commend the House of Representatives for passing legislation to reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet, including critical reforms that will strengthen the network for the benefit of our nation’s first responders.

Just a few years ago, the idea that a smartphone could connect to a satellite seemed more science fiction than technological possibility. But now, such connections are not only possible, they’re popping up in a growing number of locations around the world. This development has significant implications for cellular network providers, telecommunications regulators, cell tower operators, and equipment vendors—not to mention mobile users themselves. After all, D2D technology ultimately promises to eliminate outdoor cellular dead zones globally. However, D2D technology is still maturing.

The 2025 transition of the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program from a fiber-first to tech-neutral approach opened the door to satellite approaches. Most immediately, it is an opportunity for Starlink, SpaceX’s low-earth orbit service. Indeed, Starlink’s BEAD awards will cover 476,000 locations—the most of any provider—and the company received BEAD grants totaling $738.8 million. Winning locations and grants is one thing. Meeting BEAD requirements and customer expectations is another.