The Federal Scene
Keeping up with Congress, federal agencies and more
This page keeps you abreast of D.C. telecom-related actions, whether they come from the executive, legislative or judicial branch.
Latest updates
11.27.18 - Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced a formal challenge to the FCC’s Mobility Fund Phase II initial eligible areas map. He claimed the data he submitted proves the coverage map released by the FCC does not accurately depict broadband coverage
throughout West Virginia. |
press release
11.21.18 - The FCC released a
draft report and order, FNPRM, and order on reconsideration that adopts additional measures toward its goal of expanding the availability of affordable broadband service to rural America. The item will be considered at the FCC’s December 12, 2018
Open Meeting.
11.16.18 - Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced
S. 3655, the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act. The TRACED Act would give regulators more time to find scammers, increase civil forfeiture penalties for those caught, and promote call authentication and blocking adoptions. |
press release
11.13.18 - The USDA announced it is investing $91 million in infrastructure projects in a
dozen states to improve e-connectivity in rural communities. |
press release
11.09.18 - The Eighth Circuit Court issued an
order granting the FCC’s
request for a stay for one year, until November 12, 2019, of the court’s
decision that vacated provisions in the 2017
BDS Report and Order affecting TDM transport services and remanded them to the FCC for further proceedings.
10.04.18 - The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a
hearing entitled “Broadband: Opportunities and Challenges in Rural America” in which the Committee assessed the progress of broadband deployment in rural America and explored ways in which closing the digital divide will benefit American jobs and the economy.
10.03.18 - The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a
hearing entitled “GAO Reports Relating to Broadband Internet Availability on Tribal Lands.”
News clips