Federal Regulatory Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal regulatory agencies
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FCC to Streamline Broadband Data Collection Processes
WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement by Chairman Brendan Carr:
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FCC to Streamline Broadband Data Collection Processes
Re: Establishing the Digital Opportunity Data Collection; Modernizing the FCC Form 477 Data Program; In re: Delete, Delete, Delete, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, WC Docket Nos. 19-195, 11-10; GN Docket No. 25-133 (May 20, 2026).
Earlier this week, the FCC released an updated version of the National Broadband Map. This is version 8.0. This new map highlights the significant progress that
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WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement by Chairman Brendan Carr:
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FCC to Streamline Broadband Data Collection Processes
Re: Establishing the Digital Opportunity Data Collection; Modernizing the FCC Form 477 Data Program; In re: Delete, Delete, Delete, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, WC Docket Nos. 19-195, 11-10; GN Docket No. 25-133 (May 20, 2026).
Earlier this week, the FCC released an updated version of the National Broadband Map. This is version 8.0. This new map highlights the significant progress thatproviders have continued to make in expanding high-speed Internet access across the country. More Americans than ever have access to faster and more reliable broadband service, particularly in rural communities that for too long were left behind.
Notably, the map shows that more than 96 percent or 112 million locations have access to a terrestrial fixed service of at least 100/20 Mbps and, in 2025 alone, more than 2 million locations gained access to such services. Today, only 4.4 million locations lack such access, representing a 64.2 percent decrease from the inaugural June 2022 map. On the mobile side, 96.8 percent of locations have access to mobile 5G services of at least 7/1 Mbps. And none of this counts the many new connections that are now powered by next-gen satellite services.
At the same time, we know there is more work to do. That is why today's item focuses not just on improving the quality of the data reflected in the map, but also on improving the process itself. Specifically, we are taking commonsense steps to streamline the Broadband Data Collection process, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, and make the challenge and verification processes easier for stakeholders to participate in. These steps will help to ensure that the FCC's map continues to improve.
Thanks to Jonathan McCormack, Eduard Bartholme, Jamile Kadre, Steven Kauffman, Janet Moran, Joy Ragsdale, Sayuri Rajapakse, Matthew Warner, Michael Ray, Simon Solemani, Barbara Pavon, and Robert Acacio for their great work on this item.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-421878A2.pdf
FCC to Streamline Broadband Data Collection Processes
WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on May 20, 2026:
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FCC to Streamline Broadband Data Collection Processes
Action Will Also Ensure Accuracy of Data Depicted on the National Broadband Map
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Location-specific broadband availability data is an important tool for consumers, communities, and policymakers. Today, the Federal Communications Commission adopted rules to streamline the processes supporting its Broadband Data Collection. These improvements will help federal agencies; state, local, and Tribal governments; and other interested
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WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on May 20, 2026:
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FCC to Streamline Broadband Data Collection Processes
Action Will Also Ensure Accuracy of Data Depicted on the National Broadband Map
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Location-specific broadband availability data is an important tool for consumers, communities, and policymakers. Today, the Federal Communications Commission adopted rules to streamline the processes supporting its Broadband Data Collection. These improvements will help federal agencies; state, local, and Tribal governments; and other interestedstakeholders identify and target broadband investment to areas where it is needed most.
Today's actions aim to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and costs, while also improving the accuracy of the data collected and shown on the National Broadband Map. The Report and Order aligns reporting requirements for broadband availability and subscription data; streamlines the Fabric challenge process by eliminating the requirement that providers be notified of and allowed to respond to Fabric challenges during the Fabric development cycle; simplifies verification and audit processes; and makes certain administrative changes to the BDC rules to increase clarity.
To ensure the Broadband Data Collection keeps pace with the evolving technologies that are expanding access to high-speed internet services, the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on: approaches to simplify and streamline the coverage restoration process; eliminating requirements to submit "grandfathered" data; establishing voluntary best practices for data retention; mobile verification and audit process improvements; and other process improvements.
In March 2020, Congress passed the Broadband DATA Act, requiring a more granular, location-specific collection of broadband availability data. Congress also required the FCC to establish and overlay fixed broadband availability data on the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric and to establish processes for verifying the accuracy of the provider-reported data, including through public challenge processes. To implement these requirements, the FCC created the Broadband Data Collection and launched the National Broadband Map.
Action by the Commission May 20, 2026 by Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 26-33). Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty approving. Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty issuing separate statements.
WC Docket Nos. 11-10, 19-195; GN Docket No. 25-133
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-421878A1.pdf
FCC Proposes Modernization of High-Cost Program
WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement by Chairman Brendan Carr:
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FCC Proposes Modernization of High-Cost Program
Re: Reforming the High Cost Program for an All-IP Future, WC Docket Nos. 26-96, 10-90, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (May 20, 2026).
The FCC's high-cost programs have played a key role in helping to close the digital divide and expand connectivity for Americans, especially in rural America. I have seen firsthand examples of how these builds can transform a community by providing next generation connectivity to homes and businesses.
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WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement by Chairman Brendan Carr:
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FCC Proposes Modernization of High-Cost Program
Re: Reforming the High Cost Program for an All-IP Future, WC Docket Nos. 26-96, 10-90, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (May 20, 2026).
The FCC's high-cost programs have played a key role in helping to close the digital divide and expand connectivity for Americans, especially in rural America. I have seen firsthand examples of how these builds can transform a community by providing next generation connectivity to homes and businesses.
In the coming months and years, some of the FCC's legacy programs are set to sunset as a matter of law and others are reaching important transition points. So now is a good time to make sure that we have a plan for those and similar programs. That way we can ensure that these programs keep pace with the times and continue to deliver for the American people.
Today's item takes an important step in that direction. So I look forward to reviewing the record and working with my colleagues and stakeholders to ensure these programs continue advancing our core mission of connecting all Americans.
Thank you to Joseph Calascione, Bryan Boyle, AJ Burton, Nathan Eagan, Lauren Garry, Jesse Jachman, Heidi Lankau, Scott Lively, Khoa Nguyen, Ed Bartholme, Peter Gingeleskie, Jonathan McCormack, and Steven Rosenberg for their great work on this item.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-421882A2.txt
FCC Proposes Modernization of High-Cost Program
WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on May 20, 2026:
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FCC Proposes Modernization of High-Cost Program
Proposal Aims to Advance Goals of Efficiency in USF and Increased Rural Builds
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Today, the Federal Communications Commission adopted a proposal to examine how the FCC can make some of the Commission's high-cost support mechanisms more efficient and effective going forward. This proceeding sets the stage to ensure that high-cost support is targeting areas where it is needed most to advance the FCC's Build America agenda. The time
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WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on May 20, 2026:
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FCC Proposes Modernization of High-Cost Program
Proposal Aims to Advance Goals of Efficiency in USF and Increased Rural Builds
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Today, the Federal Communications Commission adopted a proposal to examine how the FCC can make some of the Commission's high-cost support mechanisms more efficient and effective going forward. This proceeding sets the stage to ensure that high-cost support is targeting areas where it is needed most to advance the FCC's Build America agenda. The timeis ripe for revisiting these topics as several of the relevant model-based, high-cost mechanisms are set to sunset absent Commission action in 2026 and 2028, and the legacy support mechanisms now lack ongoing deployment requirements.
Through this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC will seek comment on updating a subset of the Commission's high-cost mechanisms that apply to rate-of-return carriers.
Specifically, the Commission is looking at its high-cost mechanisms that provide funding to legacy rate-of-return carriers that currently are not subject to any forward-looking buildout obligations and those model-based mechanisms slated to sunset in the near future. The Commission seeks comment on what should come next for ongoing high-cost support, what form such support should take, and the costs that should be eligible for support.
The Commission also seeks comment on ways to modernize its cost-based, legacy high-cost support mechanisms to align them with the modern communications landscape, taking into account new sources of funding and technological developments. In addition, the Commission seeks comment on whether to extend the Alternative Connect America Cost Model I (A-CAM I) support mechanism that is set to sunset by the end of 2026.
Action by the Commission May 20, 2026 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 26-35). Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty approving and issuing separate statements.
WC Docket Nos. 26-96, 10-90
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-421882A1.pdf
FCC Proposes Enhanced 'Know-Your-Upstream-Provider' Requirements
WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement by Chairman Brendan Carr:
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Re: Call Authentication Trust Anchor; Advanced Methods to Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, WC Docket No. 17-97; CG Docket No. 17-59 (May 20, 2026).
Over the past year, the FCC has adopted new tactics in our long-running effort to end the scourge of illegal robocalls. We're focused on hardening every portion of the call path against bad actor scammers.
Today's item is another example of that approach. For one, we're seeking
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WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement by Chairman Brendan Carr:
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Re: Call Authentication Trust Anchor; Advanced Methods to Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, WC Docket No. 17-97; CG Docket No. 17-59 (May 20, 2026).
Over the past year, the FCC has adopted new tactics in our long-running effort to end the scourge of illegal robocalls. We're focused on hardening every portion of the call path against bad actor scammers.
Today's item is another example of that approach. For one, we're seekingcomment on ways to ensure providers are taking reasonable steps to know their customers and upstream providers. This will prevent many bad actors from accessing the network in the first place. For another, we're proposing that carriers respond much more quickly to traceback requests. This will help us excise robocallers that gain network access.
For still another, we're seeking comment on requiring carriers to cooperate fully with law enforcement and industry efforts to stop illegal robocalls before they reach consumers. Taken together, these steps would strengthen our robocall mitigation framework by driving greater transparency and more meaningful accountability from providers.
At the end of the day, stopping illegal robocalls is going to require everyone in the voice ecosystem to do their part and be held accountable for the traffic they allow on their networks.
For their great work on this item, I want to thank Joseph Calascione, Cara Voth, Jodie May, Chris Laughlin, Mason Shefa, John Menges, Merry Wulff, Aaron Garza, Michael Scott, Dan Stepanicich, and Jonathan Lechter.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-421877A2.pdf
FCC Proposes Enhanced 'Know-Your-Upstream-Provider'
WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on May 20, 2026:
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FCC Proposes Enhanced 'Know-Your-Upstream-Provider'
Requirements to Combat Illegal Robocalls
Launches Agency's Latest Efforts to Bring Meaningful Robocall Relief to Consumers by Attacking Illegal Robocalls at Every Point in the Call Path
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The Federal Communications Commission today proposed new, more specific Know-Your-Upstream-Provider ("KYUP") requirements to hold voice service providers accountable for ensuring bad actor providers are eliminated from the voice ecosystem.
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WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on May 20, 2026:
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FCC Proposes Enhanced 'Know-Your-Upstream-Provider'
Requirements to Combat Illegal Robocalls
Launches Agency's Latest Efforts to Bring Meaningful Robocall Relief to Consumers by Attacking Illegal Robocalls at Every Point in the Call Path
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The Federal Communications Commission today proposed new, more specific Know-Your-Upstream-Provider ("KYUP") requirements to hold voice service providers accountable for ensuring bad actor providers are eliminated from the voice ecosystem.The proposal also looks to enhance the STIR/SHAKEN framework to ensure that caller ID authentication is broadly implemented and maximally effective at deterring illegal robocalls.
The proposed enhanced KYUP requirements are designed to expose providers that enable illegal calls and root them out of the voice ecosystem. Today, voice service providers have a general obligation to know the providers that send them voice traffic, but some providers evade or ignore this obligation, permitting bad actors to use their network or services to transmit illegal calls that defraud consumers. The proposal seeks to raise the bar to ensure that all voice service providers in a call path are vetted. Under the proposal, providers would be required to collect information about upstream providers, verify that information, monitor their upstream providers' traffic and practices, and refuse or discontinue service when the evidence shows an upstream provider is a bad actor.
The proposed enhancements to the STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication framework are aimed at strengthening its value as an important element in the FCC's effort to combat illegal calls. STIR/SHAKEN deters impermissible number spoofing, supports call traceback efforts, and informs providers' call analytics engines that are used to make call blocking and labeling decisions. While effective when consistently and properly implemented, not all providers are fulfilling this obligation. The proposals in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking are designed to enhance oversight of providers' implementation of STIR/SHAKEN, raise the standards for how providers assign STIR/SHAKEN attestations to calls so they are more trustworthy, and close implementation loopholes.
These proposed enhancements build on the FCC's comprehensive effort to protect consumers and restore trust in voice communications by combatting calls at every point in the call path. Other important actions include proposals to empower consumers with caller identity information that they can use in deciding which calls to answer, prevent illegal foreign-originated calls from reaching consumers, and enhance providers' obligations to perform due diligence of their customers before they originate their calls. Each of these add to existing call blocking obligations, the FCC's Robocall Mitigation Database, in which all voice service providers must be registered to access and participate in the voice ecosystem, and targeted enforcement actions.
Action by the Commission May 20, 2026 by Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 26-32). Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty approving and issuing separate statements.
WC Docket No. 17-97; CG Docket No. 17-59
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-421877A1.pdf
FCC Modernizes Disaster Information Reporting System
WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement by Chairman Brendan Carr:
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FCC Modernizes Disaster Information Reporting System
Re: Resilient Networks; Amendments to Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications; New Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications, Third Report and Order, PS Docket Nos. 21-346 and 15-80; ET Docket No. 04-35 (May 20, 2026).
Later this week, I'll be heading back to Western North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic flooding and mudslides in September
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WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement by Chairman Brendan Carr:
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FCC Modernizes Disaster Information Reporting System
Re: Resilient Networks; Amendments to Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications; New Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications, Third Report and Order, PS Docket Nos. 21-346 and 15-80; ET Docket No. 04-35 (May 20, 2026).
Later this week, I'll be heading back to Western North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic flooding and mudslides in September2024, devastating communities, damaging critical infrastructure, and taking lives. In January of 2025, in my first trip out of D.C. after becoming Chairman, I saw that destruction firsthand and met with first responders, providers, and residents working around the clock to restore service and rebuild.
One thing that stood out to me in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene was how many resources were still being tied up by outdated paperwork requirements. In the middle of a disaster recovery effort, the FCC should be focused on helping crews reconnect communities and clearing barriers that slow recovery down. Limited manpower shouldn't be spent on unnecessary red tape.
That's why I am pleased we are taking action today to modernize the FCC's disaster reporting system in a way that reduces burdens while still ensuring we have accurate, up-to-date information on service restoration efforts. This will be especially important for small, rural providers that may already be stretched thin during emergencies.
For their great work on this item and their continued efforts to promote public safety, I want to thank Ryan Hedgpeth, Leon Kenworthy, Zenji Nakazawa, Austin Randazzo, Jeanne Stockman, James Wiley, and James Zigouris.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-421880A2.pdf
