2025 Artificial Intelligence Summit to Address Federal AI Integration, Ethical Challenges

The 2025 Artificial Intelligence Summit, set for March 20, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts to discuss the role of AI in federal initiatives. The summit aims to tackle critical concerns surrounding bias mitigation, data privacy, and the ethical deployment of AI across government agencies.
Crown Castle Sees Active Carriers in Q4; Echoes Other Towercos

Tower CEOs spoke of the importance of C Band spectrum to the carrier’s deployment activities, during the earnings calls.
A Strategic Investment in Future Warfare

The U.S. Congress has approved a $141 billion budget for the Pentagon’s Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) initiatives for fiscal year 2025. This funding underscores a strategic emphasis on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, space capabilities, and advanced computing.
Microsoft to Retire Skype in May 2025, Shifting Focus to Microsoft Teams

Microsoft has announced that it will retire its pioneering communication platform, Skype, on May 5, 2025. This strategic move aims to consolidate the company’s communication services under Microsoft Teams, offering users enhanced features and a unified experience. The transition reflects the evolving landscape of digital communication and Microsoft’s commitment to adapting to modern user needs.
House Panel Advances Bipartisan Bills to Strengthen NTIA’s Cybersecurity Role

To bolster the nation’s cybersecurity framework, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has unanimously approved two bipartisan bills to expand the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) role in protecting U.S. communications networks.
AI and Broadband Expansion

A new industry report highlights how artificial intelligence is transforming broadband expansion. By leveraging AI-driven insights, network operators can make better decisions about where and how to deploy high-speed internet infrastructure. The report emphasizes that AI can optimize investment strategies, improve permitting processes, and ensure broadband reaches the communities that need it most.
Legislative Proposal Aims to Revamp BEAD Program Amidst Ongoing Debates

Rep. Richard Hudson, a North Carolina Republican, earlier this month introduced the Streamlining Program Efficiency and Expanding Deployment for BEAD Act, known as the SPEED for BEAD Act. He did so alongside members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, which Hudson chairs.
Federal Agency Holds Up Over $1 Billion in Louisiana Broadband Funding

Louisiana officials are pushing back against federal delays in broadband funding, warning that stalled approvals could significantly slow the state’s internet expansion efforts. With over $1 billion in funding in limbo, the future of high-speed broadband access in rural Louisiana remains uncertain.
The Cost of Unreliable Broadband

Millions of Americans still struggle with unreliable broadband, creating challenges for businesses and remote workers. The economic impact of poor internet access is severe, ranging from lost productivity to limited job opportunities. Expanding broadband infrastructure and investing in high-speed connectivity are crucial for economic growth and digital inclusion.
BEAD Program Director Resigns Amidst Comprehensive Federal Review

The director of the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, Evan Feinman has stepped down. He offered advice to stakeholders to mitigate any impacts on states from its pause.