#TelecommunicationsReform
LightNews LightNews
citizenptnewsla.bsky.social
A cyberattack has left the St. John the Baptist Parish School District in crisis, prompting an emergency declaration to expedite recovery efforts.

Click to read more!

#LA #CitizenPortal #EmergencyManagement #LouisianaSchools #TelecommunicationsReform #CyberSecurity
School board declares emergency after cyberattack, authorizes bypass of bids for telecom services
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board adopted a Public Emergency Declaration retroactive to March 10, 2023, after a district-wide cyberattack and authorized administration to bypass public bid law for telecommunications services to expedite recovery.
citizenportal.ai
July 1, 2026 at 10:21 AM
citizenptnewsak.bsky.social
Residents in Petersburg are demanding a halt on new wireless facilities, urging officials to seek legal expertise amid concerns over the accuracy of coverage claims and local control.

Click to read more!

#PetersburgBorough #AK #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #TelecommunicationsReform
Residents urge pause and legal review of borough wireless‑facility approvals
Multiple residents and local advocates urged Petersburg officials to pause consideration of four wireless communications facility applications and to secure legal expertise to review the borough's WCF ordinance and applicants' coverage claims.
citizenportal.ai
September 17, 2026 at 10:06 PM
citizenptnewswa.bsky.social
The Federal Way committee just approved a significant franchise transfer that could reshape the local fiber optic landscape—what's behind Eaton Fiber's bold move?

Click to read more!

#FederalWayKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #TelecommunicationsReform #CommunityInnovation
Committee forwards Hyper Fiber franchise transfer to Eaton Fiber to council consent agenda
Staff presented a resolution to transfer Hyper Fiber of Washington's franchise (Federal Way Ordinance 25-1011) to Eaton Fiber; legal counsel said transfers require council approval when ownership changes exceed 50 percent. The committee unanimously forwarded the resolution to the Oct. 6 consent agenda.
citizenportal.ai
September 17, 2026 at 10:24 AM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Madison County is taking a stand against Verizon's copper network retirement, demanding clarity on 9-1-1 service impacts for vulnerable residents.

Get the details!

#MadisonCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #DigitalInclusion #MadisonCountyPublicSafety #EmergencyServices #TelecommunicationsReform
County to file FCC comment as Verizon outlines copper-line changes; supervisors raise 9-1-1 concerns
Staff will file an FCC comment about Verizon's petition to discontinue legacy copper service, stressing that an "adequate alternative" must be defined and raising possible impacts on 9-1-1 reliability and customers with medical devices; staff will include local broadband deployment data.
citizenportal.ai
September 10, 2026 at 7:07 PM
citizenptnewsus.bsky.social
The fight against illegal robocalls is far from over, as evolving tactics from scammers push Congress to consider even stronger measures!

Learn more here

#US #FraudPrevention #CitizenPortal #ConsumerProtection #TelecommunicationsReform #FederalActions
Chair reviews 2019 federal steps and FCC action on robocalls, says more is needed
The chair recounted prior federal responses to illegal robocalls—including the 2019 TRACED Act and FCC actions—and said evolving tactics by bad actors mean further measures remain necessary.
citizenportal.ai
July 24, 2026 at 10:59 AM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
Florida's new House Bill 925 could reshape the state's communications landscape by targeting foreign tech, igniting fierce debates over security versus competition.

Click to read more!

#FL #CybersecuritySafety #NationalSecurity #TelecommunicationsReform #CitizenPortal
Florida House introduces HB 925 to secure communications grid from foreign threats
HB 925 aims to eliminate foreign tech from Florida's communications grid for security.
citizenportal.ai
February 25, 2025 at 1:11 AM
citizenptnewsus.bsky.social
Congress is diving into a 30-year review of the landmark Telecommunications Act of 1996 to see if our communication laws can keep up with today's digital world.

Get the details!

#US #BroadbandAccess #CitizenPortal #TelecommunicationsReform #DigitalPolicy
Chair opens House hearing to review Telecommunications Act of 1996 and ask whether laws fit the broadband era
The chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce opened a hearing to assess the Telecommunications Act of 1996, highlighting its role in deregulation, universal service, and Section 230’s foundational role for the internet, and asking witnesses whether federal communications law should be modernized for broadband and digital platforms.
citizenportal.ai
April 1, 2026 at 6:01 PM
citizenptnewsus.bsky.social
Puerto Rico residents are raising their voices against the confusing and lengthy permitting process for telecommunications antennas, demanding clarity and accountability to protect their neighborhoods.

Learn more here!

#US #CitizenPortal #TelecommunicationsReform #CommunitySafety
Puerto Rico community voices concerns over telecommunications tower permitting process
Residents express frustration over lengthy telecommunications permit processes impacting community services.
citizenportal.ai
June 25, 2025 at 10:37 AM
citizenptnewsus.bsky.social
Congress is taking urgent action to tackle the illegal robocall crisis that's disrupting healthcare communications and endangering lives.

Click to read more!

#US #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TexasHealthcare #TelecommunicationsReform #ConsumerProtection
Congress explores solutions to illegal robocalls impacting healthcare services
Committee discusses enforcement strategies to combat robocalls disrupting emergency physician communications.
citizenportal.ai
June 4, 2025 at 7:16 PM
citizenptnewswy.bsky.social
Evanston City Council's approval of a new telecom franchise sparks heated debate over fees and consulting ethics!

Get the details

#WY #CitizenPortal #CivicEngagement #TelecommunicationsReform #GovernmentTransparency
Council advances Visionary Communications franchise on second reading after debate over consultant and fee
The Evanston City Council approved Ordinance 2602 on second reading to grant a franchise to Visionary Communications LLC, amid council concern about a consultant the city paid and negotiation of a 3% franchise fee; members asked for a work session before final approval.
citizenportal.ai
March 8, 2026 at 2:20 AM
citizenptnewsmo.bsky.social
Missouri's House Committee is taking a bold stand against robocalls and call-ID spoofing with new bills that could change the game for consumer protections!

Read the full story

#MO #FraudPrevention #CitizenPortal #ConsumerProtection #MissouriUtilities #TelecommunicationsReform
Missouri Utilities Committee hears combined anti‑spoofing and no‑call bills; carriers urge federal coordination
Sponsors combined four bills (HB2147, HB2472, HB2546, HB2658) to extend no‑call protections to business lines, require STIR/SHAKEN authentication for VoIP, create civil remedies and graduated fines, and in one bill add criminal penalties; carriers warned against conflicting state rules with federal law.
citizenportal.ai
February 5, 2026 at 8:11 PM
citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social
Lake Elmo is on the brink of revolutionizing its broadband services, but city leaders want to ensure they have all the data before taking the plunge into franchising.

Get the details!

#LakeElmoCityWashingtonCounty #MN #CommunityInnovation #DigitalAccess #TelecommunicationsReform #CitizenPortal
Lake Elmo hears case for municipal broadband franchising; experts urge due diligence
An outside attorney described how Woodbury negotiated the stateirst broadband franchise and urged Lake Elmo to consider franchising to secure build‑out, customer service standards and franchise fees; commissioners asked for comparative data and legal risk analysis before directing staff to proceed.
citizenportal.ai
January 22, 2026 at 11:39 PM
citizenptnewsnc.bsky.social
Hickory residents are demanding better internet options, with one passionate citizen calling for competition against the dominant provider Spectrum at a recent city council meeting.

Get the details!

#HickoryCityCatawbaCounty #NC #PublicInput #CitizenPortal #TelecommunicationsReform #HickoryCity
Hickory City Council Hears Public Concerns Over Internet Service Competition
Kimberly Turk urges Hickory Council to promote competition against Spectrum for better services.
citizenportal.ai
July 18, 2025 at 3:22 PM
citizenptnewsnc.bsky.social
Caswell County officials are grappling with a $200,000 decrease in funding for school nurses, raising serious concerns about student health and safety in the wake of COVID-19.

Read the full story

#CaswellCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #CaswellCountySchools #TelecommunicationsReform #HealthcareFunding
County discusses $200,000 budget for school nurses amid COVID funding decrease
County officials outline challenges in funding nurses for schools due to COVID budget reductions.
citizenportal.ai
June 1, 2025 at 2:03 AM
citizenptnewsnv.bsky.social
Cox Communications is pushing for a groundbreaking bill in Nevada that could reshape the broadband landscape by ensuring all providers play by the same rules.

Click to read more!

#NV #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #TelecommunicationsReform #MarketEquity #NevadaBroadband
Cox Communications proposes Nevada bill to update broadband licensing requirements
Cox Communications advocates for legislation to close loopholes in Nevada's broadband statutes.
citizenportal.ai
April 8, 2025 at 4:01 PM
citizenptnewsne.bsky.social
Nebraska's latest proposed bill could revolutionize broadband installations by allowing same-day connections, but safety concerns from utilities raise serious red flags.

Read the full story

#NE #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TelecommunicationsReform #InfrastructureSafety
Broadband installers seek narrow 811 exemption for hand‑buried drops; utilities and 811 board warn of safety risks
Proponents said LB1093 (with amendment) would let technicians hand‑bury temporary drop lines and speed customer hookups; the Nebraska 1‑Call board, natural‑gas and electric utilities, and city utilities strongly opposed the measure, citing risks of hitting buried lines and long‑term damage.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 1:07 PM
citizenptnewsne.bsky.social
Nebraska's new bill could revolutionize emergency services by mandating next-gen 911 improvements and demanding accountability from service providers.

Click to read more!

#NE #EmergencyServices #PublicSafety #TelecommunicationsReform #CitizenPortal
Public Service Commission sets deadlines for next-gen 911 service agreements
Next-generation 911 contractor must report capabilities annually starting November 2024.
citizenportal.ai
February 25, 2025 at 7:32 PM
citizenptnewsmt.bsky.social
Montana's Senate Bill 534 is set to transform the landscape of property taxation for high-speed internet infrastructure, but will it bridge the digital divide or widen it?

Get the details!

#MT #EconomicDevelopment #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #TelecommunicationsReform #MontanaInfrastructure
Montana Legislature approves new tax exemptions for fiber optic and wireless infrastructure
Lawmakers enable tax breaks for owners investing in fiber optic and wireless infrastructure.
citizenportal.ai
March 21, 2025 at 2:58 AM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Prince George County's Board just passed crucial resolutions on telecommunications and opioid settlements that could reshape community resources!

Click to read more!

#PrinceGeorgeCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #HealthCareAccess #PrinceGeorgeCountyCommunity #TelecommunicationsReform
County Board Approves Verizon Cell Tower Lease and Opioid Settlement Resolutions
The board authorized Verizon lease amendment and participation in opioid settlements tonight.
citizenportal.ai
September 10, 2025 at 6:19 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
As Vermont transitions from copper to fiber phone services, crucial consumer protections and clearer outage reporting are on the table—will your voice be heard?

Get the details!

#VT #CitizenPortal #EmergencyServices #TelecommunicationsReform #VermontConsumers #ConsumerProtection
Panel weighs bill to require consumer notice, 9‑1‑1 board alerts as phone service moves from copper to fiber
The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure committee reviewed draft bill 26‑0726 to require carriers to notify state officials and consumers when transitioning copper voice lines to fiber, with the Enhanced 9‑1‑1 Board urging direct notice and urging clearer outage reporting and battery‑backup guidance.
citizenportal.ai
January 31, 2026 at 1:11 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
Vermont's fiber connectivity surged to 72.6% in 2025, but the state is pushing for crucial policy changes to keep up with rapid tech advancements!

Learn more here

#VT #BroadbandAccess #TelecommunicationsReform #DigitalInfrastructure #CitizenPortal #VermontPublicService
Department of Public Service details connectivity gains, urges changes to planning cadence and advisory body
The Department of Public Service told the Health, Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee that Vermont’s fiber reach rose to 72.6% of premises in 2025, the division completed a 2024–25 mobile drive test and recommends moving the 10‑year telecom plan update cadence from three to five years and sunsetting the Telecommunications Advisory Council.
citizenportal.ai
January 30, 2026 at 9:57 AM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
The Corrections & Institutions committee is gearing up to tackle pressing issues from last session while exploring new legislation that could transform Vermont's correctional landscape.

Get the details!

#VT #RestorativeJustice #TelecommunicationsReform #VermontCorrections #CitizenPortal
Corrections & Institutions committee maps priorities: telecoms, commissary, supervision fees and DOC report extension
At a late-afternoon Corrections & Institutions committee meeting, members reviewed unfinished bills from the prior session and four new bills, agreed to reconvene subcommittees on commissary and telecommunications, and granted DOC an extension to Feb. 1 to complete a report on converting Saint Johnsbury Correctional Facility into a treatment facility.
citizenportal.ai
January 13, 2026 at 9:47 PM
citizenptnewsvt.bsky.social
EC Fiber's legal woes and federal funding uncertainties are causing turmoil in Vermont's broadband landscape—what does this mean for your internet access?

Get the details!

#RutlandCounty #VT #CitizenPortal #DigitalEquity #RutlandCountyBroadband #TelecommunicationsReform #ConsumerProtection
EC Fiber faces lawsuits as federal funding uncertainties stall network upgrades
GWI sues EC Fiber amid federal delays and cancelled digital equity grant impacting operations.
citizenportal.ai
May 31, 2025 at 12:29 PM
citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social
Major shifts in Maryland's energy landscape are underway as the Public Service Commission approves a key ownership change and grants a vital extension for a community solar project!

Learn more here

#MD #CitizenPortal #MarylandCommunity #TelecommunicationsReform #CommunitySolar #RenewableEnergy
Commission Approves Ownership Change and Extension for Bittenger Solar Project in Garrett County
Commission grants Bittenger LLC a 16-month extension for community solar project completion.
citizenportal.ai
September 4, 2025 at 6:56 PM
citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social
Maryland's Public Service Commission just made waves by approving significant changes for AT&T and other utilities, signaling a major shift in the state's telecommunications landscape!

Click to read more!

#MD #CitizenPortal #ElectricVehicles #TelecommunicationsReform #MarylandPublicService
Maryland Commission Approves AT&T and Verizon Service Discontinuations and 911 Upgrades
Commission reviews service changes from AT&T and Verizon, noting efficiency and modernization efforts.
citizenportal.ai
August 7, 2025 at 11:42 AM