Cybersecurity

House passes Rescue package with TMF funding

The $1.9 trillion bill is aimed at Americans suffering financial hardships from the pandemic, but in the federal IT community, the bill will be remembered for the dramatic expansion of the Technology Modernization Fund.

Policy

Lawmaker to Reintroduce Net Neutrality Legislation Within Weeks

Supporters say giving the Federal Communications Commission greater authority over internet service providers is more important in the wake of the pandemic. 

Cybersecurity

FCC Approves Proposal to Increase Eligibility Under Supply Chain Order

The agency’s acting chief has reached out to interagency partners and wants to create a team dedicated to network security issues.

Digital Government

Biden Appoints Acting Chairs at FCC, FTC

The appointments position the regulatory agencies to take a more aggressive stance against the tech industry.

Emerging Tech

Universal Service Fund Wants Automation Tools to Help Bring Broadband to Communities in Need

The corporation that manages the fund for the Federal Communications Commission is looking for a contractor to help automate its manual, time-consuming data verification process.

People

Pandemic pivots at State, FCC

The necessary wave of IT adaptation to the pandemic showed federal CIOs and agencies they could move quickly and efficiently to modernize.

Cybersecurity

FCC Adopts Order to Rip and Replace Huawei, ZTE Equipment Amid 5G Security Challenges

The senior Democrat on the commission noted China’s continued leadership of global 5G standards development in urging further action.

Modernization

How COVID-19 accelerated IT modernization

As previous IT investments proved their worth in 2020, the pandemic is prompting agencies to accelerate their modernization efforts

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers Pressure FCC to Move Forward With Unfunded Supply Chain Security Order

A list of covered items that would be barred from receipt of federal subsidies is due in March and will draw from a variety of other federal efforts.

Cybersecurity

Solarium Commission looks to boot China from the tech supply chain

The Cyberspace Solarium Commission is looking to shore up security in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector by reducing dependency on suppliers from rival powers, especially China.

Emerging Tech

FCC, USAID Partner to Advance U.S. 5G Security Policy  

An agreement between the agencies aims to encourage the use of trusted networks and interoperable infrastructure.

Modernization

Lawmakers Propose Using FCC E-Rate Funds to Boost Individuals’ Internet Access

The Federal Communications Commission-provided funds have historically been distributed to institutions instead of people.

Cybersecurity

FCC Advances Order on Interagency Security Reviews of Foreign Applications

The effort tries to strike a balance between the desire to capitalize on foreign investments and managing threats from adversaries like China.

Modernization

Bipartisan bill looks to claw back executive power over telecom

World War II-era legislation, meant to counter radio transmissions to the enemy in wartime, now gives the president 'kill-switch' authority over the internet and telecommunications.

Emerging Tech

After Decision Upholding FCC’s 5G Rules, Cities Now Weighing Appeal

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals largely upheld FCC rules limiting local government’s ability to regulate 5G infrastructure and cap fees. Cities involved in the case have until Sept. 28 to file an appeal, but some experts say the ruling wasn’t all bad.

Ideas

It’s Time to Shore up the Universal Service Fund So It Can Live up to Its Name

Congress needs to create a solution that reflects how Americans actually use telecommunications services rather than how we once did.

Cybersecurity

FCC Estimates Replacing Chinese Telecom Equipment Will Cost at Least $1.6 Billion

A key lawmaker echoed calls from the agency’s chairman for Congress to appropriate the money.

Modernization

FCC estimates $1.8 billion to replace Huawei, ZTE telecom parts

The agency also released a list of 51 firms that would qualify for reimbursement, spanning from smaller telecoms to large vendors like Verizon and CenturyLink.