News Update - FCC-Broadband-Telecom - May 2025
FCC Waives Certain Discontinuance Rules To Speed Transition From Copper Legacy Networks To Fiber IP Networks
May 29, 2025 – The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau, on its own motion, has granted blanket authority under Section 214(a) of the Communications Act for carriers to grandfather interconnected VoIP services provisioned over copper lines, and waived the associated requirement to file an application with the FCC under the FCC’s discontinuance rules. Also, the Wireline Bureau, on its own motion, has waived, for a period of two years, the need for carriers applying for Section 214(a) discontinuance authority to follow the testing methodology and parameters described in the 2016 Technology Transitions Order and Technical Appendix. According to the Bureau, the VoIP grandfather and waiver order reduces regulatory burdens and promotes the FCC’s goal of facilitating the transition away from legacy network technology to next-generation communications networks capable of carrying advanced communications services. It also furthers the public interest by freeing up carrier resources for the development and deployment of those next-generation networks and services, to the benefit of consumers.
FCC Updates National Broadband Map With Broadband Availability Data As Of December 2024
May 20, 2025 – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has published an updated version of the National Broadband Map showing broadband availability as of December 2024. According to the FCC’s announcement, the new map contains the following key broadband availability data points:
The map currently shows there are 115.8 million broadband serviceable locations in the U.S. The list of broadband serviceable locations is continuously refined and updated with each version of the map.
110 million homes and small businesses (95 percent) have access to a terrestrial fixed service with speeds of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload (100/20) or greater — nearly a million more locations than the last broadband availability data collection in June 2024.
Nearly 7 million additional locations gained access to fixed service with speeds of 1 Gbps download and 100 Mbps upload (1000/100) or greater since the last broadband data collection.
On the mobile side, 96 percent of homes and small businesses have access to 5G mobile service with speeds of at least 7/1 Mbps, and 92 percent have access to 5G with speeds of 35/3 Mbps or greater.
More than 5 million availability challenges and more than 10 million location challenges have been processed to date, resulting in millions of data corrections. The FCC also plays an active role in reviewing provider submitted data, initiating verifications and audits where warranted. Over 1,000 validations have led to hundreds of updates to provider filings.
Biennial Recertification Of ILEC Study Area Boundary Data Due June 30, 2025
May 20, 2025 – The FCC’s Office of Economics and Analytics and Wireline Competition Bureau have announced that the filing deadline for the biennial recertification of study area boundary data is June 30, 2025. Study area boundary data must be recertified by either incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) or state commissions that have voluntarily agreed to file study area boundary data on behalf of some or all ILECs operating within their jurisdictions. Current study area boundary map data are available online. Instructions for viewing the map data can be accessed online. Additional information on the study area boundary data collection is available on the FCC’s study area boundary webpage at http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/study-area-boundary-data-collection.
E-Rate Funding Will Cover Demand For Category One And Category Two Service Requests In Funding Year 2025
May 20, 2025 – The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau has announced that there is sufficient funding available to fully meet the Universal Service Administrative Company’s (USAC) estimated demand for category one and category two requests for E-Rate-supported services for funding year 2025. USAC estimates the total demand for funding year 2025 will be $3.225 billion, which includes estimated demand for category one services of $1.806 billion, and of $1.418 billion for category two services. The E-Rate program inflation-based cap for funding year 2025 is $5.059 billion. As of March 31, 2025, USAC projects that $500 million in unused funds from prior funding years is available for use in E-Rate funding year 2025. The Wireline Bureau has directed USAC to use $500 million in unused E-Rate funds to offset the collection requirements needed to fully meet demand for category one and category two requests submitted for funding year 2025.
Mergers & Acquisitions: FCC Approves Verizon’s $20 Billion Acquisition Of Frontier
May 16, 2025 – The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau, Office of International Affairs, and Wireless Telecommunications Bureau have issued a Memorandum Opinion And Order that approves the transfer of control of domestic and international section 214 authorizations and wireless licenses held by wholly-owned subsidiaries of Frontier Communications Parent, Inc. (Frontier) to Verizon Communications Inc. (Verizon). The FCC’s reasoning for granting the transfer of control application is summarized as follows:
After carefully and thoroughly reviewing the record and evaluating the likely public interest effects of the proposed transfer, we do not find any material transaction-related public interest harms arising from the proposed transfers of control. Further, we find that certain public interest benefits are likely to be realized, including the upgrading and expansion of Frontier’s fiber network. Accordingly, we conclude that granting the applications serves the public interest, convenience, and necessity.
The FCC approved the acquisition following Verizon’s decision to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program. Paragraph 33 of the Memorandum Opinion And Order addresses the Verizon’s decision to end its DEI policy and practices:
We also recognize Verizon’s commitment to equal opportunity employment and nondiscrimination as strengthening its investment and service quality efforts. Verizon states it is modifying its practices, including its leadership structure, training, corporate sponsorships, supplier selection, hiring, career development resources, and public and internal messaging, and has also committed to applying these changes to Frontier following the close of the proposed Transaction. We accept Verizon’s commitment to modify its practices as firm and definite, and expect that these changes will prevent DEI discrimination in the post-transaction company, as consistent with the law and the public interest.
Mergers & Acquisitions: Charter Communications Merging With Cox Communications In $34.5 Billion Deal
May 16, 2025 – Charter Communications, Inc. and Cox Communications have announced that they have entered into an agreement to merge their companies. Charter is one of the largest U.S. broadband providers, with roughly 30.1 million broadband customers across 41 states. Cox is the largest private broadband company in the U.S., serving around seven million homes and businesses across 18 states.
Within a year after the deal closes, the combined company will change its name to Cox Communications, and Spectrum will become the consumer-facing brand within the communities Cox serves. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals, and Charter shareholder approvals. The combined entity will assume Cox’s approximately $12 billion in outstanding debt. Charter’s press release announcing the deal provides the following additional details of the transaction:
Charter will acquire Cox Communications’ commercial fiber and managed IT and cloud businesses, and Cox Enterprises will contribute Cox Communications’ residential cable business to Charter Holdings, an existing subsidiary partnership of Charter.
The proposed transaction values Cox Communications at an enterprise value of approximately $34.5 billion.
As consideration in the transaction, Cox Enterprises will receive: $4 billion in cash; $6 billion notional amount of convertible preferred units in Charter’s existing partnership, which pay a 6.875% coupon, and which are convertible into Charter partnership units, which are then exchangeable for Charter common shares; and Approximately 33.6 million common units in Charter’s existing partnership, with an implied value of $11.9 billion, and which are exchangeable for Charter common shares.
The combined company will remain headquartered in Stamford, CT, and will maintain a significant presence on Cox’s Atlanta, GA campus following the closing.
Based on Charter’s share count as of March 31, 2025, at the closing, Cox Enterprises will own approximately 23% of the combined entity’s fully diluted shares outstanding, on an as-converted, as-exchanged basis, and pro forma for the closing of the Liberty Broadband merger.
Charter expects approximately $500 million of annualized cost synergies achieved within three years of close – stemming from typical procurement and overhead savings.
FCC Releases Final Agenda For Open Meeting On May 22nd
May 15, 2025 – The Federal Communications Commission has released the following final agenda for the FCC’s open meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025:
Promoting the Integrity and Security of Telecommunications Certification Bodies, Measurement Facilities, and the Equipment Authorization Program – The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would strengthen requirements and oversight relating to telecommunications certification bodies (TCBs), measurement facilities (test labs), and accreditation bodies to help ensure the integrity of these entities for purposes of our equipment authorization program, to better protect national security, and to advance the Commission’s comprehensive strategy to build a more secure and resilient communications supply chain. (ET Docket No. 24-136)
Protecting our Communications Networks by Promoting Transparency Regarding Foreign Adversary Control – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes to require holders of covered Commission-issued licenses, authorizations, or approvals to certify whether they are owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary and, if so, to disclose foreign ownership interests and the nature of the foreign adversary ownership and control. (GN Docket No. 25-166)
Expanding Use of the 12.7-13.25 GHz Band for Mobile Broadband or Other Expanded Use; Shared Use of the 42-42.5 GHz Band; Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz For Mobile Radio Services – The Commission will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that explores ways that the 12.7-13.25 GHz and 42.0-42.5 GHz bands could be used more intensively by satellite communications, as an alternative or a complement to the previous proposals for terrestrial wireless communications in these bands. (GN Docket No. 22-352, WT Docket No. 23-158, GN Docket No. 14-177)
The FCC’s May 22nd open meeting is scheduled to commence at 10:30 a.m. ET in the Commission Meeting Room of the Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. The meeting is open to the public, but the FCC headquarters building is not open access, and all guests must check in with and be screened by FCC security at the main entrance on L Street. All FCC open meetings are streamed live at www.fcc.gov/live.
ESPN Announces Direct-To-Consumer Streaming Service
May 13, 2025 – ESPN has announced that it will soon release a direct-to-consumer streaming service containing all of its programming, with various monthly or annual pricing plans. The ESPN unlimited plan will provide access to all of ESPN’s linear networks and all of ESPN’s other content for $29.99 per month or $299.99 annually. The select plan will provide access to all content available on ESPN+, ESPN studio shows, on-demand replays, and original content for $11.99 per month. ESPN also will offer bundles with Disney+ and Hulu. Additional details, including the specific launch date, will be announced later this summer.
FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington: Slash the Universal Service Fund
May 9, 2025 – Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Nathan Simington and his Chief of Staff Gavin Wax have written an opinion piece in the Daily Caller titled “It’s Time For Trump To DOGE The FCC.” In the article, Commissioner Simington says “[t]he FCC is a prime candidate for DOGE-style reform.” He offers four suggestions for making DOGE-style reforms to the FCC, two of which relate to the universal service fund:
2. Slash the Universal Service Fund and Related Mandates
Few Americans realize that federally mandated fees, which are set at the sole discretion of the FCC, not Congress, to raise the cost of monthly phone bills for voice service by over 36 percent. These fees fund a patchwork of programs under the Universal Service Fund (USF), including the Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS) and other telecommunications relay services. While originally well-intentioned, many of these programs have become outdated, inefficient, and ripe for reform.
3. Modernize the Universal Service Fund Model
The broader USF is an amalgam of obsolete and overlapping initiatives. Programs like E-rate and Lifeline, while once valuable, have lost relevance in the age of widespread mobile internet and emerging satellite services. Wired internet subsidies are increasingly unnecessary and cost-inefficient.
The rise of satellite broadband, such as Starlink, and fixed wireless alternatives offer a more scalable, less expensive solution. Rather than spending billions to trench fiber cable to remote areas, the FCC should adopt a technology-neutral approach that lets innovation drive infrastructure deployment. Reforming USF to reflect these realities is long overdue and would align with DOGE’s mission of smarter, leaner government.
Senate Passes Congressional Review Act Resolution To Rescind FCC Rule Authorizing E-Rate Funding For Wi-Fi Hotspots
May 8, 2025 – The United States Senate has passed a joint resolution (S.J.Res.7) under the Congressional Review Act which disapproves the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rule that authorizes E-Rate funding for Wi-Fi hotspots. In July 2024, the FCC approved a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking “to modernize the E-Rate program to meet the evolving needs of schools and libraries around the country by allowing for the distribution of Wi-Fi hotspots and services to students, school staff, and library patrons for off-premises use.” The Senate resolution canceling the E-Rate hotspot program passed by a vote of 50-38, and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. §§801-808) gives Congress a process for overturning certain federal agency actions.
Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025 Introduced In The Senate – Would Require Broadband & Edge Providers To Contribute To USF
May 7, 2025 – Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) have introduced the Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025 (S. 1651). It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. If passed into law, the bill would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require broadband service providers and broadband edge service providers to contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF). It also would do the following:
Direct the FCC to reform the USF by expanding the base so that edge providers and broadband providers contribute on an equitable and nondiscriminatory basis to preserve and advance universal service;
Limit assessments of edge providers to only those with more than 3% of the estimated quantity of broadband data transmitted in the United States and more than $5 billion in annual revenue;
Direct the FCC to adopt a new mechanism under the current USF high-cost program to provide specific, predictable, and sufficient support for expenses incurred by broadband providers that are not otherwise recovered; and
Limit the FCC’s authority over edge providers and broadband providers only to requiring contributions to the USF.
All ETCs Must File FCC Form 481 By July 1, 2025
May 6, 2025 – All eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) participating in the universal service High Cost or Lifeline programs y must file Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Form 481 for program year 2026 by July 1, 2025. FCC Form 481 is accessible through the Universal Service Administrative Company’s (USAC) E-file One Portal. Section 54.313 of the FCC’s rules requires ETCs participating in the High Cost or Lifeline programs to file FCC Form 481 on an annual basis. FCC Form 481 gathers information about a carrier’s holding company, operating companies, affiliates and branding designations (doing-business-as or DBA); ability to function in emergency situations; terrestrial backhaul; Tribal lands engagement; comparability of voice and broadband service rates in rural and urban areas; and supply chain certification. USAC has posted the FCC Form 481 template, filing instructions, and other related upload templates, to its website. These documents also are available on USAC’s Form 481 resource page.
FCC Requests Public Comment On Whether 2,057 Docketed FCC Proceedings Should Be Terminated As Dormant
May 2, 2025 – The FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) has released a Public Notice that seeks public comment on whether 2,057 docketed FCC proceedings should be terminated as dormant. Specifically, the CGB would like commenters to provide reasons why specific dockets should not be terminated as inactive or moot. Comments are due on or before 30 days after the date the Public Notice is published in the Federal Register. Reply comments are due 45 days after publication. All filings should reference the following docket number: CG Docket No. 25-165. Under the FCC’s rules, the Chief of CGB is authorized to periodically review all open FCC dockets and, in consultation with the responsible FCC Bureaus or Offices, to identify dockets that appear to be candidates for termination. Such dockets “include dockets in which no further action is required or contemplated as well as those in which no pleadings or other documents have been filed for several years.” However, the FCC’s rules also state that “proceedings in which petitions addressing the merits are pending should not be terminated, absent the parties’ consent.” The CGB has released a list of the dockets identified for termination which are sorted by responsible Bureau or Office and Proceeding Number.
USAC Issues Third Quarter 2025 Fund Size Projections For Universal Service Support Mechanisms
May 2, 2025 – The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) has filed the Federal Universal Service Support Mechanisms Fund Size Projections for the third quarter of 2025. The filing details the universal service fund’s (USF) total projected funding requirements for 3Q 2025, which includes costs that can be directly attributed to the High Cost, Low Income, Rural Health Care, and Schools and Libraries Support Mechanisms, as well as Connected Care Pilot Program costs, and projected administrative expenditures of each mechanism. All of USAC’s filings to the FCC are available here. USAC’s data shows the following total projected 3Q 2025 funding requirements for each USF support mechanism:
High Cost Support Mechanism – $1.05065 billion (2Q 2025 was $1.1239 billion)
Low Income Support Mechanism – $244.93 million (2Q 2025 was $305.12 million)
Rural Health Care Support Mechanism – $179.03 (2Q 2025 was $176.10 million)
Connected Care Pilot Program – USAC collected $100 million to fund the Connected Care Pilot Program. No additional collections are required.
E-Rate Schools and Libraries Support Mechanism – $639.18 (2Q 2025 was $653.04 million)
USAC projects a consolidated budget of $73.60 million for 3Q 2025. This breaks out to $33.45 million in direct costs for all four support mechanisms, and $40.15 million in joint and common costs which include costs associated with billing, collection, and disbursement of universal service funds. The FCC will use the of the quarterly funding requirements for the four USF Support Mechanisms, the projected administrative expenses, and the USF contribution base amount to calculate the quarterly USF contribution factor. Copies of USAC’s historical USF filings are available on its website.
President Trump’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Does Not Provide New USDA Funding For Rural Broadband Expansion
May 2, 2025 – President Trump has released a budget plan for fiscal year (FY) 2026 that recommends discretionary funding levels for various federal government programs. The plan would not provide any new funding to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for rural broadband expansion. The letter outlining the proposed discretionary funding levels states that “[n]o new USDA funding is needed for broadband expansion, as existing balances and other Federal resources are meeting planned growth.”
FCC Releases Tentative Agenda For Open Meeting On May 22nd
May 1, 2025 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has announced the following tentative agenda for the FCC’s open meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025:
Safeguarding the Equipment Authorization Process from Bad Labs – The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would strengthen requirements and oversight relating to telecommunications certification bodies (TCBs), measurement facilities (test labs), and accreditation bodies to help ensure the integrity of these entities for purposes of our equipment authorization program, to better protect national security, and to advance the Commission’s comprehensive strategy to build a more secure and resilient communications supply chain. (ET Docket No. 24-136)
Identifying Foreign Adversary Ownership Stakes – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes to require holders of covered Commission-issued licenses, authorizations, or approvals to certify whether they are owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary and, if so, to disclose foreign ownership interests and the nature of the foreign adversary ownership and control. (GN Docket No. 25-166)
Opening Up Spectrum for Satellite Broadband – The Commission will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that explores ways that the 12.7-13.25 GHz and 42.0-42.5 GHz bands could be used more intensively by satellite communications, as an alternative or a complement to the previous proposals for terrestrial wireless communications in these bands. (GN Docket No. 22-352, WT Docket No. 23-158, GN Docket No. 14-177)
The FCC’s May 22 open meeting is scheduled to commence at 10:30 a.m. ET in the Commission Meeting Room of the Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. The meeting is open to the public, but the FCC headquarters building is not open access, and all guests must check in with and be screened by FCC security at the main entrance on L Street. All FCC open meetings are streamed live at www.fcc.gov/live.
