This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning ICT, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, social media platforms, digital privacy, AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, Web3 and cryptocurrencies. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don't miss this week's updates in Finance and Defence. Also consider subscribing to our ICT & Cybersecurity - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

FCC Expands Broadband Opportunities in the 900 MHz Band

The Federal Communications Commission has adopted new rules enabling broadband deployment across the full ten megahertz of the 896-901/935-940 MHz band (900 MHz band) on a county-by-county basis. The final rule, effective April 30, 2026, provides for a voluntary, negotiation-based process for incumbents to transition to a paired five-megahertz broadband channel license. The revision builds on previous efforts to realign the band for broadband use while maintaining options for narrowband operations. It establishes eligibility certification and transition plan requirements for license applicants, automates anti-windfall payment calculations based on 600 MHz auction benchmarks, and introduces streamlined application and performance reporting procedures. Technical and interference protection rules will parallel those used for the 3/3 broadband segment, and service flexibility is retained across all licensing configurations. The order sets a phased lifting of the licensing freeze and includes provisions for spectrum valuation updates.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Lifeline Program Reform

On April 3, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Lifeline program, seeking input by May 4, 2026. Proposals include tighter eligibility verification through expanded use of SSNs and federal databases, new consumer consent requirements, revised minimum service standards, a reassessment of support for voice-only services, and measures to limit duplicative support within households. Additionally, the rulemaking contemplates requiring all states to use the National Verifier and streamlining annual provider reporting. Enhanced compliance requirements for service providers, especially non-facilities-based entities, and extended usage rules are also under review. The Commission intends to update regulations to reflect the full implementation of the National Verifier and eliminate references to expired EBB and ACP programs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Review of International Information Collections

The FCC requests comment by June 1, 2026, on three international information collections—Recognized Private Operating Agency (RPOA), International Signaling Point Code (ISPC), and Data Network Identification Code (DNIC)—currently under review pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act. Planned updates to the International Bureau Filing System are intended to modernize electronic forms for applications, decrease compliance costs, and improve efficiency. These collections are necessary to ensure continued compliance with International Telecommunication Union requirements for international service providers, carriers, and data networks.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

National Cyber Director Issues FOIA and Privacy Act Regulations

The Office of the National Cyber Director published proposed regulations detailing procedures for responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act requests. The notice, open for comment until May 15, 2026, outlines requirements for request submission, definitions, response deadlines, appeals, fee policies, and disclosure of confidential commercial information. The proposed rule affirms no new paperwork collection under the PRA and notes compliance with Administrative and Civil Justice reform provisions. The new regulation aims to clarify administrative processes for information access in line with statutory obligations and Executive Orders.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Directs DHS Employee Compensation Following Shutdown

On April 3, the President issued a memorandum addressing the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which affected over 35,000 employees, including cybersecurity professionals. Declaring a national security emergency, the President ordered the DHS Secretary and the Office of Management and Budget to utilize available funds to compensate impacted employees for unpaid wages and benefits. The directive includes instructions for appropriate adjustments to DHS funding accounts after regular appropriations are restored. No new legal rights are established by this memorandum.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

Bill 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, addresses commerce-related issues and has been presented to the President. The legislation focuses on supporting innovation and economic security through small business initiatives.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Enhancing Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure for Taiwan

Bill 8177 seeks to enhance the security, resilience, and protection of critical undersea infrastructure linked to Taiwan’s national security and economy, responding to gray zone tactics by the People’s Republic of China. The bill has been referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Judiciary for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill to Protect Americans from Unauthorized Surveillance

Bill 8178 aims to provide safeguards against unauthorized surveillance of Americans. It has been referred to the Committees on Judiciary and Intelligence (Permanent Select) for consideration of provisions under their jurisdiction.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Activates Nation’s Largest Public Broadband Network

California has launched its Middle-Mile Broadband Network, connecting the Bishop Paiute Tribe as the first customer and delivering high-speed internet to rural and tribal communities. The initiative is part of the state's $3.25 billion effort to extend broadband infrastructure statewide.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Apple Marks 50 Years of Innovation in California

Governor Gavin Newsom recognized Apple’s 50th anniversary, noting California’s continued dominance in technology and innovation and its leadership in AI job postings, patents, and global company valuations.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

California Issues Executive Order on AI Procurement and Governance

Governor Newsom’s March 30 executive order strengthens procurement requirements for AI vendors and sets new standards for responsible use of artificial intelligence in state government operations.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Ohio: Vertiv Announces $50 Million Investment and 730 New Jobs

Vertiv is expanding its Westerville headquarters and Ironton manufacturing facility, supported by state and local grants, creating up to 730 jobs and increasing capacity for AI infrastructure production.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Opinion | Getting America’s Wireless Future Done Right: Analysis on wireless spectrum policy and strategies for America’s communications future.
• Opinion | Hardware Is Back: Commentary on the resurgence of hardware in global tech markets and implications for U.S. competitiveness.
• Opinion | The Russian People Want the Internet Back: Views on internet access restrictions and demand for connectivity in Russia.
• China moves to regulate digital humans, bans addictive services for children: China introduces new regulations for digital avatars and limits juvenile exposure to digital content.
• Cybercrime: Coverage of major cybercrime issues and their effects on organizations and consumers.
• 🔮 Exponential View #567: The rewiring of work; Development 2.0; Texas storage, AI microdrama, Hollywood++: Insights into work transformation, AI developments, and technology’s impact on society.

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