Communications Daily

FCC Bureau-Level Approval of Nexstar/Tegna Seen as Riskier but Harder to Challenge communicationsdaily.com/article/2026/0…

52 plans are approved for BEAD - a federal program to expand internet access. $21.66 BILLION of those funds remain. The NTIA delayed issuing guidance on what to do with what's left. @Comm_Daily dives into what that could mean ➡️bit.ly/4ujv3co #ConnectedNation

. @SpaceX to @FCC: Make @AST_SpaceMobile explain its Americanness. @Comm_Daily

. @NTIA listening session about $21B in #BEAD non-deployment funds heard calls for using it for #broadband affordability, #NG911. Also heard multiple calls from small-govt groups of 'send it back to Treasury.' @Comm_Daily

Benton's Drew Garner at @naruc policy event: NTIA's March 11 notice about state AI policies also apparently will spell out what are permitted state uses for BEAD non-deployment $$. @Comm_Daily

NEWS: @RepHudsonNC told me after House Communications Subcomm. hearing yesterday there may be minor "tweaks" to the draft FirstNet reauthorization bill, but positive reception from lawmakers shows it's "in good shape." More from me in @Comm_Daily: communicationsdaily.com/article/2026/0… (1/2)

NTIA chief of staff: lots of governors been asking us, 'is this or that law that maybe impacts AI running afoul of what the White House wants?' @Comm_Daily at @INCOMPAS #incompastechpolicy

🚨🚨🚨🚨 @GLFOP opposes current @HouseCommerce draft FirstNet reauthorization draft bill, which could be significant in shaping the Communications Subcommittee's hearing tomorrow on the measure.

As expected, @FCC OKs letting geofenced variable-power devices like types of wearable tech operate in the 6 GHz band. Reinforces US leadership in WiFi tech, sez @OliviaTrustyFCC. 'Expect more-compelling AR/VR, short‑range hotspots and more,' sez @BrendanCarrFCC

NEWS: @SenateCommerce moving planned Tuesday FirstNet hearing to 10 a.m. Wednesday.

ICYMI: Last night, I reported for @Comm_Daily that 2 former @FirstNetGov Board chairs are objecting to a FirstNet reauthorization bill draft @RepHudsonNC is writing they believe will inject "a malaise of political red tape" into the public safety network: communicationsdaily.com/article/2026/0…

NEWS: Ahead of @SenateCommerce notice of 1/27 FirstNet hearing, @RepHudsonNC told me he's drafting a bill to renew that public safety network's authority. He says that proposal won't seek to impact @ATT control of FirstNet. More from me for @Comm_Daily: communicationsdaily.com/article/2026/0…

NEWS: @RepDonBacon told reporters this AM he's still pushing for some rescinded public broadcasting $ in the FY26 LHHS spending bill that House leaders are hoping to pass in a minibus next week. But he noted strong opposition from White House OMB. More tonight in @Comm_Daily.

. @TheNRAO to @FCC: widespread supplemental coverage from space to smartphones might kill radio astronomy. @Comm_Daily

NEWS: @HouseCommerce confirms my scoop from last night's @Comm_Daily that the Communications Subcommittee will hold an FCC oversight hearing on 1/14: communicationsdaily.com/article/2026/0…

. @SpaceX veep Goldman asked at #D2DPolicyAmericas: y'uns open to sharing 2 GHz band now that you buying it from @Echostar? Sez sharing might be doable, but @FCC was clear it's not open to that anytime soon. @Comm_Daily

NEWS: Compromise version of FY26 NDAA released Sunday doesn't include Senate-passed language giving SecDef and JCOS chair power to veto reallocation of 3.1-3.45 GHz and 7/8 GHz bands. More to come from me in @Comm_Daily.

This week, I relaunched the Wi-Fi Caucus with @RepTroyCarter, @SenatorRicketts, and @SenJackyRosen. This bipartisan, bicameral group is focused on educating Congress and the public on the importance of accessible Wi-Fi and connectivity nationwide. Read more from @Comm_Daily here:

T-Mobile broadband head Allan Samson at #broadbandnationexpo: T-Mo approach with fixed wireless - pricing, emphasis on customer experience, marketing - we'll put toward fiber. Too many fiber operators are taking a cable-like approach, ignoring customer service. @Comm_Daily

. @FCC @BrendanCarrFCC at @fedsoc shindig: Europe's protectionism bent starting to move into the space realm. Agency prepared to respond to lopsided rules. @Comm_Daily