Federal Communications Commission

On August 30, 2026, former President Donald Trump threatened to report NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for “rebuke or punishment” after she described his primary endorsement record as having “mixed results.” Trump cited high success rates for his endorsed candidates and urged FCC Chair Brendan Carr to act. The comment was made on a local NBC affiliate, not the national broadcast. The FCC generally does not regulate news content, making the threat unusual.

10 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 31, 01:07 AM UTC

Disney-owned ABC filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the FCC and the Trump administration, alleging a retaliatory campaign triggered by a Jimmy Kimmel joke about Melania Trump. The FCC ordered early license renewals for eight ABC stations, which ABC claims is unconstitutional punishment for editorial content. The lawsuit seeks to block the FCC’s review, escalating tensions between the administration and major media over free speech and regulatory pressure.

28 reports · 10 sources · Updated Aug 28, 05:36 PM UTC

The FCC voted 2-1 on August 6, 2026, to repeal the 39% national broadcast ownership cap, replacing it with a case-by-case review. Chairman Brendan Carr argued the cap was outdated, while Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez and critics contend the FCC lacks congressional authority. Legal challenges are expected, and the move follows a halted waiver allowing Nexstar to acquire Tegna, raising concerns about media consolidation and political influence.

8 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 19, 06:21 PM UTC

On August 13, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs of up to 100% on imported drones and components, citing national security risks. Large sensitive drones (over 25kg or with thermal imaging) face 100% tariffs, smaller ones 25%. Allies like the EU, Japan, and Taiwan face 15%, while the UK gets 10%. The move primarily targets Chinese manufacturer DJI, which dominates the global market. The tariffs take effect September 3, 2026, and include an onshoring program to boost U.S. production.

7 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 14, 11:53 AM UTC

The Trump administration, via the FCC, banned imports of new Chinese-made humanoid and quadruped robots and connected power inverters, citing national security risks such as surveillance, data exfiltration, and supply chain vulnerabilities. The move, based on National Security Determinations, aims to protect the domestic AI and robotics industry. China condemned the ban as smearing its companies. Existing devices are unaffected, and exemptions are possible through the Department of War.

8 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 31, 05:12 PM UTC

Amazon has filed an application with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission seeking approval to launch up to 5,105 satellites for a direct-to-device (D2D) network. The proposed network will combine Amazon's existing infrastructure with assets from Globalstar, which Amazon announced plans to acquire in April 2026 for approximately $11.6 billion. Amazon targets users who are unserved or underserved by existing wireless providers, as well as emergency operations like search and rescue, and remote worksites, fleets, and supply chains. The company expects the Globalstar deal to close in 2027, with D2D network deployment beginning in 2028. Amazon currently has over 390 satellites in orbit for its Project Kuiper LEO internet service, which competes with SpaceX's Starlink. The D2D network will compete directly with SpaceX's Starlink Mobile service, which offers direct-to-cell connectivity via T-Mobile in the U.S.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 03:53 PM UTC

At a government accounting conference in Washington, D.C., a panel of inspectors general discussed the Trump administration's prioritization of fraud detection, with acting Education Department IG Mark Priebe calling it 'the best time to be in the inspector general community.' Despite the president's unprecedented firing of nearly 20 IGs last year, Priebe expressed no concern, stating the executive branch should have input on its own IGs. However, he noted that efforts to dismantle the Education Department have halved its workforce, causing staff losses in his office from over 200 to nearly 150. Panelists also addressed challenges in combating technologically advanced fraud, including metadata manipulation by fraudsters, and a shift toward proactive fraud prevention rather than post-incident investigation. House Republicans recently passed a bill to establish a Treasury Department IG office to counter fraud in non-federal entity funding.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:49 PM UTC

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed expanding a ban on foreign-made drones to include products it had previously approved and that are currently on store shelves. The July 17 notice targets nine manufacturers suspected of being front companies for Chinese drone giant DJI, which controls over 90% of the consumer drone market. The ban would also cover drone components like cameras. The FCC granted itself authority for such retroactive action in October 2025. While the government cites national security risks, critics note no specific public evidence has been provided. DJI claims an independent security audit found no evidence of data transmission outside the United States. If enacted, the ban would force retailers to remove covered products from shelves and could require companies to write off inventory in U.S. warehouses.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:00 PM UTC

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed expanding a ban on foreign-made drones to include products it had previously approved for sale, potentially affecting DJI and nine other manufacturers suspected of being front companies. The proposal, published July 17, 2026, targets drones, drone parts, and components like cameras deemed to pose an 'unacceptable risk to national security.' This marks a significant escalation from a December 2025 ban that allowed continued sale and use of previously approved models. The FCC granted itself authority for retroactive bans in October 2025. Critics note the government has not provided specific public evidence of security threats. DJI claims an independent security audit found no evidence of unauthorized data transmission. If enacted, the ban could force removal of covered products from major online retailers and require companies to write off inventory in U.S. warehouses.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:00 PM UTC

President Donald Trump has nominated Adam Candeub, currently FCC general counsel, to lead antitrust enforcement at the Department of Justice. Candeub has authored a Heritage Foundation report calling for criminalizing online pornography to protect marriage and promote human flourishing, and he advocates reviving historical obscenity laws like the Comstock Act. He also proposes using antitrust enforcement against Big Tech, taking into account social media's effect on happiness. Candeub was a key player in the first Trump administration's effort to repeal Section 230. Critics warn his agenda extends beyond pornography to broader government control over lawful online expression and privacy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:09 PM UTC

President Donald Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr are using threats to revoke broadcast licenses as an intimidation campaign against TV networks that do not comply with Trump's demands. After ABC and NBC declined to provide live coverage of Trump's election security speech, Trump argued this should result in license revocation. Carr has adopted a vague 'public interest' standard, claiming broadcasters must cover the president 'fully, accurately, and fairly.' This has led to concrete actions: Carr entertained claims of 'broadcast news distortion' against CBS over a Kamala Harris interview edit, bragged about forcing changes to CBS journalistic practices as a condition for approving Skydance Media's acquisition of Paramount, and made regulatory threats that preceded ABC's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The article argues these actions are unconstitutional speech-chilling measures that set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:01 AM UTC

An investigation by the Anchorage Daily News and ProPublica found that the U.S. government pays $340,000 annually to maintain internet service for empty and collapsing buildings on the former Naval Air Facility Adak in Alaska. The base, closed in 1997, now hosts a tiny civilian population of under 100 people, most of whom use Starlink satellite internet rather than the tax-funded broadband. Reporters visited every address on the roster and found no actual customers using the service, which is funded by the Universal Service Fund via fees on consumer phone bills. The island is so decayed that Marines use it for training in simulated chemical warfare and expeditionary operations. Despite the waste, there are proposals to revive the base as a strategic outpost against Russian aggression.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:12 PM UTC

On July 16, 2026, President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address repeating debunked 2020 election fraud claims. ABC and NBC declined to air it live, offering it on streaming platforms instead; CBS aired most of it with disclaimers. Trump threatened to revoke their broadcast licenses, alleging fraud and media collusion. Legal experts note the threats are meritless—networks don’t hold licenses, and the First Amendment protects editorial discretion. The incident escalates tensions between Trump and mainstream media.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:57 PM UTC

The Trump administration, via FCC Chair Brendan Carr, is moving to repeal the national broadcast ownership cap (39% of U.S. TV households), sparking bipartisan pushback from Senate Commerce Chairman Ted Cruz and Democrats. Cruz argues the change requires an act of Congress, a view shared by Sen. Ben Ray Luján and Sen. Andy Kim, who accuse Carr of doing President Trump's bidding. Carr, in a Breitbart op-ed, says the cap will be replaced with case-by-case public interest reviews to help local stations compete with streaming. The FCC vote is set for August 6, with Republicans holding a 2-1 advantage. House Republican Richard Hudson praised the move, while Democrats warn of reduced media diversity.

1 reports · 1 sources

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by President Trump in January 2025, made a candid admission about his legacy in a recent interview with the Financial Times. Carr stated that he believes The New York Times has already written his obituary and that he can do little to alter its tone at this stage. This reflection comes amidst an aggressive regulatory campaign against media outlets perceived as hostile to the Trump administration. Carr has targeted major broadcasters, including threatening ABC over jokes made by Jimmy Kimmel and pressuring CBS to cancel an interview with a Democratic candidate on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Additionally, the FCC ordered early reviews of Disney-owned stations and investigated The View for hosting political figures. Critics view these actions as retaliatory measures aimed at silencing dissent, creating a chilling effect within the industry. Carr defended his tenure as bold, asserting that he took his shot at implementing significant changes, leaving the judgment of right and wrong to the public and history.

1 reports · 1 sources

SpaceX has formally requested that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) terminate the $4.5 billion High-Cost program, which subsidizes traditional internet service providers in rural areas. In a letter to the commission, SpaceX argues that its Starlink satellite internet service has effectively resolved the broadband access gap by offering high-speed connectivity at competitive rates, rendering legacy subsidies redundant. The company cites recent data showing Starlink download speeds consistently exceeding 120Mbps in the US and notes significant federal investment through the BEAD program. This request coincides with the FCC's upcoming vote on modernizing the Universal Service Fund rules. Supporters of the proposal, including experts from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, argue that ending the program would reduce regressive costs on consumer phone bills and shift focus to more efficient, technology-neutral solutions. However, detractors remain skeptical about whether satellite internet alone can fully replace terrestrial infrastructure subsidies for all rural communities. The debate highlights the shifting landscape of broadband deployment as low-Earth orbit satellite constellations become more viable alternatives to traditional ground-based networks.

1 reports · 1 sources

The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially approved a $1 billion agreement for Verizon to purchase specific spectrum assets from US Cellular. This deal, originally reached in 2024, aims to enhance Verizon Wireless's network capacity, coverage, and overall performance to better meet customer demand. The approval follows a broader restructuring of US Cellular, where T-Mobile previously acquired the majority of its wireless operations and 30% of its business for $4.4 billion, leaving the remaining entity renamed as Array Digital Infrastructure. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr emphasized that rapid spectrum availability is crucial for effective use and reducing digital inequality in the modern connectivity market. The FCC is currently accelerating approvals for spectrum-related negotiations while preparing for future auctions to address growing consumer and corporate demand in the United States. This strategic move allows Verizon to strengthen its market position through increased scale and improved service quality.

1 reports · 1 sources

Efforts to combat financial fraud in the United States are gaining momentum through coordinated actions by Congress, the White House, and Nacha, the electronic payments network. Americans lose an estimated $119 billion annually to scams, a figure exacerbated by the industrialization of fraud and the use of artificial intelligence to refine deceptive tactics. In response, the House Financial Services Committee unanimously passed legislation aimed at protecting elderly citizens by enhancing collaboration between government agencies and financial institutions. Simultaneously, Nacha is finalizing a new rule requiring banks of all sizes to monitor incoming deposits for suspicious activity, expanding vigilance beyond just outgoing payments. This industry-wide mandate, fully effective in June, targets push-payment scams such as romance fraud and business email compromise. Additionally, federal agencies including the Federal Reserve, FCC, and Treasury Department have established a public-private roundtable to address these growing threats. The article highlights that fraudsters are leveraging AI to eliminate traditional red flags like spelling errors, prompting banks like JPMorgan Chase to restrict certain social media payment features. These combined regulatory and technological initiatives represent a significant shift toward end-to-end fraud detection.

1 reports · 1 sources

Cowboy Space, an orbital infrastructure startup founded by Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt, has filed a request with the Federal Communications Commission to deploy up to 20,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. Named Stampede, this constellation aims to host data center hardware powered by solar energy in space. The initiative addresses critical bottlenecks in terrestrial AI infrastructure, specifically the lengthy grid interconnection queues, permitting delays, and power access issues that hinder rapid data center expansion on Earth. Following a $275 million Series B funding round led by Index Ventures, Cowboy Space argues that while launch costs are high, orbital computing offers a viable workaround for AI companies facing years-long waits for electrical grid connections. The proposal highlights a strategic shift where space serves not just as a communication medium, but as an alternative location for heavy compute loads, leveraging abundant solar power and avoiding terrestrial land and water constraints. This move underscores the growing pressure on global power systems driven by the AI boom, with grid operators like PJM reporting significant demand increases. The project represents a significant bet that orbital infrastructure can outpace terrestrial grid development in meeting the urgent energy needs of artificial intelligence applications.

1 reports · 1 sources

xAI has officially introduced Grok Build, a new coding agent and command-line interface designed for professional software engineering. Currently available only in an early beta version, the tool is exclusively accessible to SuperGrok Heavy subscribers, who pay $300 monthly for the service. This launch represents xAI's strategic effort to compete with rival products like Anthropic's Claude Code, addressing CEO Elon Musk's admission that the company previously lagged in coding capabilities. The release follows significant internal restructuring, including a merger with SpaceX in February 2026, which aims to leverage space-based data centers for AI processing. However, the combined entity, reportedly named SpaceXAI, has faced challenges, including the departure of over 50 researchers and engineers. Additionally, xAI continues to manage reputational risks following previous controversies involving Grok generating nonconsensual sexualized images. The company intends to use feedback from this limited beta release to refine Grok Build's performance and safety measures before a wider rollout.

1 reports · 1 sources

Cowboy Space, a California-based startup, has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy a 20,000-satellite constellation named 'Stampede' for orbital data centers. This move follows a recent $275 million funding round aimed at developing rockets with upper stages capable of hosting computing payloads. The proposed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) network will operate in sun-synchronous orbits between 700 and 1,000 kilometers, leveraging continuous solar energy to overcome terrestrial power and infrastructure constraints. Cowboy seeks waivers for using optical communications instead of radio frequencies and for modified deployment timelines. While smaller than competitors like SpaceX and Blue Origin, the project aims to begin commercial operations with minimal satellites, scaling up over time. The company plans to demonstrate computing payloads using NVIDIA modules in early 2025, with full launches of one-megawatt data centers targeted for late 2028. Founded by Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt, Cowboy argues this approach positions the US as a leader in space innovation by bypassing Earth's limited energy grid. The application also hints at future plans for wireless power beaming, with a technology demonstration scheduled for later this year.

1 reports · 1 sources

Verizon CEO Dan Schulman has downplayed the competitive threat posed by low-Earth-orbit satellite internet providers like SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper. Speaking at the MoffettNathanson media conference, Schulman argued that satellite services are fundamentally inefficient in urban and suburban areas compared to terrestrial networks, which he claims are 100 to 1,000 times more efficient. He predicted that the total addressable market for satellite internet in the US is limited to approximately 5 million households over the next seven to ten years, primarily serving rural or niche demographics. While acknowledging this as a valid market segment, Schulman emphasized that it does not overlap significantly with Verizon's core business, which derives over 90% of its revenue from suburban and urban customers. Currently, Starlink serves over 2 million active US customers, whereas Verizon supports 16.8 million users via fiber and fixed wireless. The comments align with previous admissions by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk regarding satellite capacity limitations in densely populated regions, despite recent regulatory approvals allowing increased satellite capacity.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially approved Verizon Communications' $1 billion deal to acquire specific spectrum assets from U.S. Cellular. This regulatory green light, announced on May 14, 2026, allows the telecommunications giant to expand its network capacity and improve coverage across its service areas. The transaction is a follow-up to significant industry consolidation that occurred the previous year, when T-Mobile acquired the majority of U.S. Cellular's wireless operations and 30 percent of its wireless spectrum in a separate $4.4 billion agreement. Following that major divestiture, the remaining entity of U.S. Cellular rebranded itself as Array Digital Infrastructure. This latest approval by the FCC marks a crucial step in Verizon's strategy to strengthen its infrastructure amidst growing competition in the US wireless market. The acquisition of these spectrum rights is expected to enhance Verizon's ability to deliver faster and more reliable services to customers, particularly as demand for high-bandwidth applications continues to rise. The deal highlights ongoing shifts in asset ownership within the American telecommunications sector as major carriers optimize their holdings for future technological advancements.

1 reports · 1 sources

This cybersecurity bulletin highlights several critical vulnerabilities and emerging threats. Palo Alto Networks released patches for CVE-2026-0300, a critical remote code execution flaw in PAN-OS actively exploited by threat actors to deploy malware like EarthWorm. Meta introduced Incognito Chat for WhatsApp and its app, utilizing Trusted Execution Environments to ensure private AI interactions where data is not accessible to the company. Meanwhile, defense contractor Schemata suffered a significant data leak due to missing authorization checks on API endpoints, exposing military training materials and user records, though no third-party exploitation was confirmed. The U.S. FCC extended the deadline for security updates on banned foreign routers to January 2029 to maintain device safety. Additionally, new cyber campaigns were identified, including Operation GriefLure targeting Vietnamese telecom and Philippine healthcare sectors via spear-phishing, and a multi-stage intrusion using weaponized PowerShell disguised as JPEG files to deliver trojanized ConnectWise ScreenConnect. These events underscore ongoing risks in supply chain security, social engineering, and infrastructure protection.

1 reports · 1 sources

AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, the three largest wireless service providers in the United States, have announced a strategic joint venture aimed at eliminating cellular coverage dead zones. This collaboration will leverage satellite-based technologies to address connectivity gaps, particularly in rural and underserved communities across the country. The initiative seeks to accelerate American leadership in next-generation direct-to-device communications by integrating intellectual property and terrestrial spectrum. While the announcement highlights the goal of creating industry specifications for a seamless customer experience, it remains light on specific technical details. The deal is not yet finalized, as it is subject to negotiating definitive agreements and satisfying customary closing conditions. Existing carrier-satellite partnerships, such as T-Mobile’s collaboration with SpaceX for Starlink-powered services, will remain unaffected. This move follows recent regulatory approvals, including the FCC’s clearance of a significant spectrum sale involving AT&T and SpaceX. The joint venture represents a major shift where former competitors unite to enhance national infrastructure, promising expanded customer choice and improved reliability for iPhone users and other mobile device owners in areas previously lacking robust cellular service.

1 reports · 1 sources

Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, is preparing to launch its commercial satellite broadband service within the next few months, according to Chris Weber, Vice President of Consumer and Enterprise Business. One year into its deployment campaign, the company has launched 304 satellites across 11 missions. Weber announced that Amazon aims to double its launch pace over the coming year to accelerate network coverage in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Despite this acceleration, Amazon Leo remains significantly behind SpaceX’s Starlink, which operates over 10,000 satellites. The speedup is also driven by regulatory pressure, as Amazon seeks a two-year extension from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to meet its license requirement of deploying half its planned 3,232 satellites by July 2026. While the FCC reviews the extension request, Amazon cites limited launch vehicle availability as a previous bottleneck. The initial commercial rollout will focus on fixed services, with geographic coverage expanding as more satellites reach low Earth orbit. This strategic acceleration highlights Amazon's commitment to competing in the global satellite internet market despite substantial logistical and competitive challenges.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially approved the sale of EchoStar spectrum licenses to AT&T and SpaceX’s Starlink in deals totaling $40 billion. This decision follows intense pressure from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who previously threatened to revoke EchoStar’s licenses due to alleged underutilization of the spectrum. Under the agreement, AT&T will acquire significant mid-band and low-band spectrum for its 5G networks, while SpaceX purchases spectrum to enhance its Direct-to-Device satellite mobile services. The approval has sparked significant backlash from the Rural Wireless Association, which argues that the FCC ignored competition concerns and that the consolidation disadvantages small, rural providers by limiting their access to essential spectrum resources. Additionally, EchoStar has objected to a specific FCC condition requiring it to fund a $2.4 billion escrow account to compensate construction companies involved in its previous network build-out. While EchoStar’s Boost Mobile subsidiary will continue operations using AT&T and Starlink networks, the ruling marks a major shift in spectrum ownership, further entrenching the dominance of major telecommunications players in the US market.

1 reports · 1 sources

Newly appointed Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro faces a defining challenge as Disney-owned ABC accuses the Trump administration and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of violating First Amendment rights. The conflict centers on an FCC investigation into ABC's talk show, The View, regarding potential violations of the equal time rule after featuring Democratic candidates without Republican counterparts. ABC argues the show holds a long-standing exemption as a bona fide news program and warns that the FCC's actions threaten free speech. This dispute follows earlier tensions where FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened broadcast licenses over Jimmy Kimmel Live! content. Additionally, the FCC has ordered ABC stations in eight markets to renew licenses ahead of schedule. While D'Amaro initially focused on streaming strategy, this political and regulatory battle is now set to define his tenure, highlighting the intensifying pressure on media conglomerates under the current administration.

1 reports · 1 sources

EchoStar Corporation shares surged following Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval of two major spectrum transactions valued at over $40 billion. The regulatory clearance allows EchoStar to transfer approximately 65 megahertz of nationwide spectrum to SpaceX for its Starlink direct-to-device service, marking SpaceX's first exclusive nationwide spectrum for smartphone connectivity. Additionally, EchoStar will sell 50 megahertz of spectrum in the 3.45 GHz and 600 MHz bands to AT&T Inc., which has already begun deploying the assets to enhance 5G speeds. The FCC imposed conditions including strict buildout requirements for AT&T and the establishment of a multibillion-dollar escrow fund by EchoStar. Analysts note that while the stock is technically extended, trading significantly above its moving averages, the momentum remains constructive with a positive MACD signal. This development removes the final regulatory barrier for the deals, promoting efficient spectrum use and strengthening competition in wireless and satellite markets. Investors are now watching to see if the stock can sustain its breakout near the 52-week high or retreat into consolidation.

1 reports · 1 sources

Global One Media, a local radio operator founded by Richard Hudson in 2022, has converted its bankruptcy filing from Chapter 11 reorganization to Chapter 7 liquidation. This move signals the end of operations for the company, which acquired stations in Elko, Nevada, and Clovis, New Mexico, before filing for bankruptcy in 2024 amid a $2.8 million debt dispute with Newtek Small Business Finance LLC. The collapse of Global One Media reflects a broader crisis in the local radio industry, where major players like Cumulus Media, Audacy, and iHeartMedia are also struggling. FCC data indicates a significant decline in active radio stations, with AM outlets dropping by 7% since 2015 and FM stations seeing a slight decrease. Industry experts attribute this downturn to the rapid rise of digital alternatives, such as streaming services and podcasts, which have captured listener share and advertising revenue, particularly among younger demographics. As consumers shift toward on-demand content, traditional broadcast models face unsustainable financial pressures, leading to station closures and market exits for smaller operators unable to compete in the evolving media landscape.

1 reports · 1 sources