Today, the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) issued a decision revising and clarifying its regulatory framework for providers of interconnected voice over Internet protocol (“iVoIP”) services. Most notably, the decision reopens the window for iVoIP providers to demonstrate that they do not provide services subject to a new license type that would, among other things
Continue Reading California Reopens Opt-Out Period for Certain Interconnected VoIP Licenses and Refines Associated Regulatory Framework
Supreme Court Upholds FCC Authority to Levy Fines Against Cellphone Carriers
In an 8-1 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the FCC’s authority to issue forfeiture penalties against telecommunications companies found in violation of the agency’s Customer Proprietary Network Information (“CPNI”) rules. The impact of this ruling is that the FCC may continue to enforce its rules through forfeiture orders, but that such orders do not
Continue Reading Supreme Court Upholds FCC Authority to Levy Fines Against Cellphone CarriersFCC Poised to Adopt Proposal Modernizing Spectrum Sharing to Promote Satellite Broadband
On April 9, 2026, the FCC released a draft Report and Order on “Modernizing Spectrum Sharing for Satellite Broadband.” The draft has been circulated for consideration by the FCC at its April 30, 2026 open meeting, and remains subject to change.
If adopted as expected by the Commission at its next monthly meeting, the Order
Continue Reading FCC Poised to Adopt Proposal Modernizing Spectrum Sharing to Promote Satellite BroadbandU.S. Tech Legislative & Regulatory Update – First Quarter 2026
This update highlights key legislative and regulatory developments in the first quarter of 2026 related to artificial intelligence (“AI”), connected and automated vehicles (“CAVs”), and Internet of Things (“IoT”).
I. Federal AI Legislative Developments
In the first quarter, members of Congress introduced several AI bills related to nonconsensual images, chatbots, support for small businesses, and
Continue Reading U.S. Tech Legislative & Regulatory Update – First Quarter 2026FCC Updates Covered List to Conditionally Approve the Use of Certain Drones
In late December 2025, the FCC updated its “Covered List” to add foreign-produced Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (“UAS”) and their critical components. In early January 2026, the FCC narrowed that action by creating a temporary exception for certain UAS and critical components, including those on the Department of War’s Blue UAS Cleared List.
Last week, on
Continue Reading FCC Updates Covered List to Conditionally Approve the Use of Certain DronesFCC Proposes New Framework for Spectrum Use in Emerging Space Missions
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr recently previewed a new Commission initiative aimed at bringing “spectrum abundance” to what he described as “weird space stuff,” a category encompassing emerging space operations such as orbital laboratories, satellite repairs, and private inhabitable spacecraft. The proposal would initiate a formal rulemaking later this month to examine how the FCC’s spectrum
Continue Reading FCC Proposes New Framework for Spectrum Use in Emerging Space MissionsFifth Circuit Effectively Nullifies FCC “Prior Express Written Consent” Requirement, But Reach of Decision is Limited
On February 25, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, in Bradford v. Sovereign Pest Control of TX, Inc., upheld a district court summary judgment decision that effectively nullified the FCC’s “prior express written consent” requirement for autodialed or prerecorded marketing calls to mobile numbers. The Fifth Circuit found that this
Continue Reading Fifth Circuit Effectively Nullifies FCC “Prior Express Written Consent” Requirement, But Reach of Decision is LimitedFCC Seeks Comment on Petition to Update Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Part 15 Rules
As consumers have embraced “smart home” technology and specifically advanced locks and entryway security systems, some door lock companies have asked permission from the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) to use ultra-wideband technology (“UWB”) in their devices. UWB technology has unique characteristics that can be used to enhance entryway security systems by working with low-power Bluetooth
Continue Reading FCC Seeks Comment on Petition to Update Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Part 15 RulesFCC “Covered List” Updated to Include Certain Drones and Related Components, Subject to an Exception
In late December 2025, the FCC updated its “Covered List” to add foreign-produced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, and their critical components after an Executive Branch interagency body determined that they pose “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons.” Subsequently
Continue Reading FCC “Covered List” Updated to Include Certain Drones and Related Components, Subject to an ExceptionUpdate: Supreme Court Grants Cert in Cases Involving the FCC’s Monetary Penalty Authority
On January 9, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari to resolve a circuit split over the FCC’s authority to impose monetary forfeiture penalties through its administrative process. The outcome could have significant implications for the FCC’s ability to pursue civil penalties in its enforcement cases. For more information on the issues at stake, including background
Continue Reading Update: Supreme Court Grants Cert in Cases Involving the FCC’s Monetary Penalty Authority