January 3, 2025

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📢 HUGE VICTORY: Sixth Circuit Rejects the Government’s Unwarranted Internet Takeover 

Yesterday, the Sixth Circuit rejected the FCC’s net neutrality rules. This is a direct result of litigation we filed with other telecom groups making the case that these utility-style Federal regulations are unwarranted and unnecessary.   

Here’s more from ACA Connects President and CEO Grant Spellmeyer:  

“Our fight to stop the government’s unwarranted internet takeover has resulted in a major victory for ACA Connects Members. They can now strengthen their focus on offering people faster speeds, more affordable prices, and quality service without the threat of utility-style Federal regulations hampering their investments.   

“I’m especially grateful to all our Members who helped ACA Connects and our partners in this litigation win on the merits of this case that broadband in America has thrived under a light-touch regulatory framework. Happy New Year, indeed, to America’s small and independent broadband providers.” 

Member News

VIRGINIA, IL (December 23, 2024) – Every year CASSCOMM takes the opportunity to connect with its communities, seeking local not-for-profit organizations in the areas they serve and evaluating the need for funding. This year CASSCOMM connected with over 30 not-for-profit organizations during the holiday season and was able to make donations totaling over Ten Thousand dollars.

Tamuning, Guam (January 2, 2025) – GTA continues its longstanding partnership with Harvest House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Guam’s foster children and families, by donating a 75-inch television and providing high-speed internet and wireless connectivity for their newly opened training and resource center in MTM, Guam. The center, which launched in November, is designed to offer a safe and welcoming space for foster families to access resources, support, and educational opportunities.

ACA Connects News

BEAD State Reports Roundup - January 1, 2025 Update

States having broadband coordination meetings occurring or planned are: Alaska and Vermont. More details about the activities occurring in the states named above and those that follow can be found in updated state reports that are now posted on the BEAD State/Territory Implementation Tracker:  Alabama, Alaska, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Important updates in the reports include Puerto Rico’s BEAD program. Final determinations to declare the challenge “sustained” or “rejected” began on December 16, 2024, and will end on January 15. 2025.

Social Media Highlight

Industry News

Sixth Circuit shoots down FCC's net neutrality rules

Source // Light Reading

The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit kicked off the new year by officially striking down the FCC's network neutrality rules, finding that broadband, including broadband delivered via mobile networks, is classified as an "information" service rather than a more heavily regulated "telecommunications" service.

US appeals court blocks Biden administration effort to restore net neutrality rules

Source // Reuters

A U.S. appeals court ruled on Thursday the Federal Communications Commission did not have legal authority to reinstate landmark net neutrality rules.

The decision is a blow to the outgoing Biden administration that had made restoring the open internet rules a priority.

FCC Moving to Seek Rip and Replace Cash from U.S. Treasury

Source // Broadband Breakfast

The Federal Communications Commission said last week it will take quick steps to secure extra cash that would allow the agency to fully reimburse providers for swapping out Chinese equipment.

Rep. Hudson to Chair House Communications and Technology Subcommittee

Source // Broadband Breakfast

Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., will lead the key House subcommittee that keeps a close watch on federal communications regulators and a range of industry participants, including broadband Internet Service Providers.

FCC’s Jan. 15 Open Meeting Will Focus on Presentations of the Agency’s Work

Source // TV Tech

Instead of taking up new regulatory issues in the FCC’s last open meeting before the start of the Trump administration, Federal Communications Commission chair Jessica Rosenworcel has set a tentative agenda for the Jan. 15 Open Commission Meeting that will feature a series of presentations by the agency’s senior bureau, office and task force staff.

Big US telcos expunge Chinese hackers

Source // Light Reading

Officials from AT&T, Verizon and Lumen Technologies said that they've managed to eradicate intrusions by Chinese hackers dubbed Salt Typhoon.