November 11, 2022

FCC To Release Updated Broadband Maps

On Thursday, November 10, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it will unveil a pre-production draft of new broadband maps on November 18. When published, the draft maps will display location level information on broadband availability throughout the country. You can read more about the FCC’s broadband maps process here.

GOP-Controlled House Would Take “Holistic Look” at Telecom Landscape

With Republicans poised to take the majority of the House of Representatives following Tuesday’s midterm elections, expect more House oversight of the FCC in the coming years. “We need to take a holistic look at the communications landscape when Republicans are in the majority to ensure resources are being distributed effectively and we are not wasting taxpayer money,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), who would ascend to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair in a Republican majority.

BIL and Broadband Grants Drive “Intense Lobbying”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which devoted tens of billions of dollars to expand broadband connectivity, has created “a wave of intense lobbying” over the past year, Politico reported on Sunday, November 6. “I would expect efforts on K Street, the administration and [the Department of Transportation] are only going to increase as we get further into year two [of the grants],” said Dan McFaul, a partner at the lobbying firm Ballard Partners. You can read more about the lobbying efforts here.

Telecom Industry Urges Congress to Modify Broadband Tax

Last week, groups including USTelecom, CTIA, and the Competitive Carriers Association sent a letter to congressional leaders warning that the funds set aside in BIL and the American Rescue Plan will be diluted unless Congress passes the bipartisan Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act. NATE also endorses this bill and urges its passage. You can read the industry letter here.