Level of Government

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel shared with her colleagues a new agency proposal that, if adopted, would look into whether the agency should require disclosure when there is AI-generated content in political ads on radio and TV. With the circulation of this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and the subsequent support of her colleagues, the FCC would initiate a proceeding that recognizes consumers’ right to know when AI tools are being used in the political ads they view. If adopted, this proposal aims to increase transparency by:

Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Nathan Simington announced one departure from his office, one new addition and one promotion. Marco Peraza, Commissioner Simington’s Wireline Advisor, departed the agency in early May 2024. Sara Rahmjoo joins the Office of Commissioner Simington as Policy Advisor and Confidential Assistant.

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) is pleased to announce the creation of the Nevada Middle Mile Network.The Nevada Middle Mile Network is a 2,500-mile open access, fiber optic network that will reach many unserved communities in Nevada. Construction of the middle mile network will enable OSIT to bring better connectivity to hundreds of unserved K-12 schools, libraries, State and local government facilities, and community anchor institutions in the coming years.

John Greene, former CEO of New Lisbon Holdings, said, “Who would have ever thought we’d see private equity filter into rural areas and small companies?” Rural broadband is very expensive to build. That’s why the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program is designed to subsidize the gap where it otherwise doesn’t make financial sense for private companies to build. Panelists at the Connect(X) show noted that one of the main competitors in some rural areas is the local electric co-op. Greene said rural electric co-ops “are going to be a force to be reckoned with.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that provides a discount for millions of homes will disappear unless Congress takes action to continue it. Most big internet service providers (ISPs) have announced how they will handle broadband for low-income homes after the end of ACP. 

Cities and towns that build their own broadband networks often say they only considered the do-it-yourself option because private Internet service providers didn't meet their communities' needs.  Hundreds of municipal broadband networks have been built around the US as a result, including dozens that have started operating since 2021. The rise of public broadband hasn't happened without a fight, though.

Representatives of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association met with Hayley Steffen, legal advisor to Commissioner Anna Gomez for wireline and space, to discuss the impacts of unreliable Broadband Data Collection (“BDC”) data and “broadband overreach” on policy and funding decisions made by the Federal Communications Commission and provided a series of recommendations related to broadband availability mapping and BDC processes. While the FCC decided in 2021 that what a provider “makes available” would be determined by reference to a provider’s “advertised” levels of performance, and while it de

The United States Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI) released its organizational vision, mission, and goals. AISI envisions a future where safe AI innovation enables a thriving world. AISI operates with two key principles in mind: beneficial AI depends on AI safety, and AI safety depends on science. AISI's strategic goals are:

On May 21, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson delivered recorded remarks at the 6G Summit hosted by ATIS Next G Alliance. He spoke about the exciting benefits of 6G, and why it is important for policymakers to prepare early to best "harness and support the innovations this next generation of technology will bring." Assistant Secretary Davidson also announced the release of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) 6G Request for Comment.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) launched a request for comment on how U.S. government policies can support the development of next-generation 6G technology. Secure and reliable communications services are vital to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. The wireless industry is beginning to plan for the development of 6G, and the U.S. has already joined like-minded partners in establishing joint principles to shape the future of this technology.