Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning cellphone and wireless carriers, ISPs, satellite communications, broadband access, 5G, remote communities, and CRTC spectrum licences. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Dates: 2025-07-06 to 2025-07-12

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

ISED Publishes AM Broadcasting Regulatory Update under Radiocommunication Act

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada announced the official publication of Broadcasting Procedures and Rules BPR-2, Issue 4, on July 12, 2025. This document details updated application procedures and technical rules for AM broadcasting undertakings within the 525–1705 kHz band. The updated requirements apply to all AM transmitters and are now in force, as outlined on the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website. Stakeholders may submit comments or suggestions for the document using the Standard Change Request form. The new issue consolidates technical, operational, and application-related requirements, impacting future AM transmitter licensing and compliance processes. Queries regarding the practical interpretation of the rules may be directed to the Engineering, Planning and Standards Branch. These revisions originate under the authority of the Radiocommunication Act and related legislative amendments. Operators and manufacturers intending to expand or modify AM operations should refer to the new rules for procedural guidance.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Competition Bureau Warns Public and Providers About Rising Text Message (Smishing) Scams

On July 8, 2025, the Competition Bureau published an alert highlighting a surge in SMS-based scams, known as smishing, which are targeting Canadian mobile users. Fraudsters are using text messages disguised as communications from trusted organizations or agencies to extract sensitive personal information or financial data. The Bureau detailed several common warning signs—including unsolicited messages, urgent requests for action, and links to suspicious websites—that pose risks not just to individuals but may require increased network monitoring by service providers. Canadians are encouraged to report suspicious activities to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and to forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) to enable further investigation by cellular carriers. The advisory includes steps for avoiding compromise and notes that cellular providers are expected to investigate spam allegations for potential provider-level action. The Bureau’s communication aligns with ongoing efforts to address fraud in digital channels and ensure consumer safety.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

FCC Implements Amended Reporting Rules for Broadband Deployment Support

The Federal Communications Commission announced on July 9, 2025, that amendments to rules governing the Connect America Fund and related high-cost universal service programs are now effective. The changes, recently approved by the Office of Management and Budget, revise information collection and reporting requirements for recipients of broadband deployment funds, including those under the Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) program. The Enhanced A-CAM program, operational since July 2023, provides $18.28 billion over 15 years to support networks able to deliver at least 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up. The new rules remove duplicative filings and clarify certification timelines for providers, with changes affecting FCC Form 481 and its instructions. The updated regime is expected to affect the administrative processes of eligible network operators, particularly in terms of attestation and data submission connected to universal service obligations.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

U.S. International Trade Commission Seeks Comments on Mobile Device Import Complaint

On July 8, 2025, the U.S. International Trade Commission published a notice regarding a complaint filed by Pantech Corporation alleging violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 related to the importation and sale of specific mobile cellular communication devices. The named respondents include several Chinese-, Hong Kong-, and Finland-based corporations, along with their U.S. subsidiaries. The complaint requests limited exclusion and cease-and-desist orders against the allegedly infringing devices, with the possibility of bond requirements during the 60-day Presidential review period. The Commission is inviting public comments on the potential consequences of these remedial orders, specifically their effects on competitive conditions in the U.S., supply chain capacity, and consumer access to mobile devices. Submissions must be made electronically via the Commission’s EDIS system within eight calendar days of notice publication.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Seeks Additional Industry Input on Access Charge Rules

The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau reopened the record on July 7, 2025, for comments concerning proposed reforms to telephone access charge regulations. The Bureau invites stakeholders to update prior submissions in light of evolving market conditions and recent regulatory developments. Issues under review include possible elimination or modification of ex ante pricing regulations and detariffing requirements for charges such as Subscriber Line Charges and Access Recovery Charges, particularly given the declining market share of incumbent local exchange carriers. Comments are also requested on Universal Service Fund contributions and alternative calculation methods. Interested parties have until August 6, 2025, to submit comments, and until August 21, 2025, to reply. The proceeding reflects the Commission’s ongoing evaluation of whether current voice market developments warrant regulatory updates.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Reviews Procedures for Mobile Satellite and International Authorization Oversight

On July 7, 2025, the FCC solicited public comment on two information collections related to the oversight of mobile satellite service (MSS) providers and the consummation of assignments and transfers of authorization for telecommunications licensees. The collections support the FCC’s regulatory functions, such as approving ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) operations within satellite networks and monitoring changes in license ownership, including those involving foreign-affiliated entities. Respondents include for-profit entities, with compliance obligations involving technical, legal, and annual reporting requirements. The review is conducted under the Paperwork Reduction Act, with comments due by September 5, 2025. The collections facilitate the FCC’s ability to manage license integrity, market entry compliance, and effective spectrum use.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Announces Policy on Reassigned Numbers Database Costs for Robocall Mitigation

On July 8, 2025, the FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau announced a methodology for handling un-reimbursable creation costs of the Reassigned Numbers Database (RND) under its Advanced Methods to Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls proceeding. In cases where original contributing providers have gone out of business or cannot be located, unreimbursed RND startup costs will be managed according to new guidelines. The Bureau’s notice aims to clarify cost disposition practices for remaining industry participants and impacts the compliance approach for service providers required to fund and utilize the RND. The public notice is available in CG Docket No. 17-59, with stakeholder engagement directed to the Bureau for any procedural or operational clarifications.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Nova Scotia Activates New Cell Towers in Several Rural Communities

The provincial government announced on July 8, 2025, that new cellular towers have been deployed in four locations across Nova Scotia as part of a partnership with Rogers, expanding connectivity and supporting improved public safety in previously underserved areas.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

High-Speed Internet Expansion in Remote Vancouver Island Communities

British Columbia announced on July 11, 2025, joint federal-provincial funding with CityWest to build broadband infrastructure serving more than 400 households in Toquaht Nation and Salmon Beach, part of ongoing efforts to bring high-speed internet to rural regions.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• One Big Beautiful Bill Act Fuels AT&T's Fiber Densification: Media analysis of U.S. federal legislative impacts on AT&T’s fiber network investment strategy.
• Zscaler Extends Zero Trust Platform to Enable Cellular Communications for IoT/OT with Simply a SIM Card - No VPN or Software: Zscaler expands zero trust security to cellular IoT and OT devices with a SIM-only approach.
• AmpliTech Group Poised to Benefit from New Federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” Supporting Private 5G and ORAN Rollouts: The article covers expected gains for AmpliTech Group from U.S. infrastructure policy related to private 5G and open RAN.
• Messangi Strengthens Telecom Partnership Model with Scalable White-Label CPaaS and Monetization Platform: Messangi launches a new CPaaS platform focused on telecom partnership scalability and monetization.