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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

FCC Final Rule: Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes

The Federal Communications Commission issued a comprehensive Report and Order, effective May 20, 2026, to remove regulatory barriers for carriers transitioning from legacy networks to IP-based infrastructure. The rule eliminates network change disclosure filing requirements, focusing direct public notices through industry channels or carriers' websites. Incumbent LECs must continue notifying directly interconnected service providers and entities supporting 911 functionality, particularly during copper retirements and short-term network changes. Applications to discontinue legacy voice services now follow streamlined procedures if replacement services meet outlined criteria, such as facilities-based interconnected VoIP or modern wireless alternatives offering 911 access. Blanket authority is granted for carriers to grandfather certain legacy voice and low-speed data services (below 25/3 Mbps), while emergency and trunk-side discontinuance rules are revised to ensure continued public safety network coordination. State mandates conflicting with FCC discontinuance authorizations are subject to preemption. The Order also retires several outdated rules and outlines new content requirements for discontinuance applications, with additional safeguards for emergency events and consumer notification procedures.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Proposed Rule: Improving Customer Service and Protecting Consumers Through Onshoring

On April 23, the FCC issued a notice proposing rules designed to increase domestic handling of customer calls and further consumer protection by limiting use of foreign call centers. The proposal includes requirements for American Standard English proficiency among foreign call center staff, explicit consumer disclosure for overseas handling, and mandates that sensitive transactions involving personal or financial information be processed only in U.S.-based facilities. Providers would be prohibited from routing calls through designated foreign adversary nations, with compliance tracked and reported. The FCC is seeking comments on extending protections to digital communication channels and on methods such as bonding to deter scam calls originating abroad. The rules would apply to a range of communications providers, including telecommunications, CMRS, VoIP, cable, and DBS services and their affiliates. The comment period is open until May 26, 2026, with reply comments due by June 22.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Information Collection Notice: Tariffs (Other than the Tariff Review Plan)

The FCC has issued a Paperwork Reduction Act notice requesting feedback from the public and federal agencies regarding a revised information collection tied to Part 61 tariffs. The collection covers 3,756 respondents, with an annual burden estimated at 170,314 hours and $477,800 in total annual costs. Key areas for comment are necessity, utility, accuracy, and burden reduction, especially for small businesses. The data collected supports evaluation by the FCC and state commissions to determine whether telecommunications services are offered on just and reasonable terms. Comments are due by June 22, 2026, and must be submitted to Nicole Ongele.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Rulemaking Proceeding: Petition for Reconsideration Filed

A Petition for Reconsideration has been filed with the FCC in MD Docket Nos. 25-190 and 24-85 regarding the Commission's assessment and collection of regulatory fees for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The petition, submitted by David S. Keir on behalf of Kinéis, challenges fee structures related to Space and Earth Station entities. Regulatory deadlines for opposition and replies are May 5 and May 15, 2026, respectively. The full petition is accessible on the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System. No new rules are adopted as part of this proceeding.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 (S.98)

This Senate bill seeks to enhance protections and oversight for rural broadband deployment. The latest action saw a motion to reconsider laid on the table and agreed to without objection.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act (H.R.1681)

Introduced in the House, this bill targets reduction of delays in reviewing federal broadband deployment projects. The bill was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act (H.R.1343)

This House bill proposes the creation of federal mechanisms to monitor broadband deployment activity. The legislation was received in the Senate and now awaits further discussion in the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To establish a national framework for consumer privacy rights and the protection of personal data (H.R.8413)

A comprehensive bill to establish national consumer privacy standards and personal data protections was referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Judiciary, with provisions routed for review according to committee jurisdiction.

Sources: www.congress.gov

USA 6G Global Leadership Act (H.R.8320)

The USA 6G Global Leadership Act focuses on promoting U.S. interests and leadership in international 6G wireless standards. The bill was ordered to be reported by the Yeas and Nays: 41 - 2.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

Texas Awards Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant to Avant Technology

Governor Greg Abbott announced a $4.83 million Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant to Avant Technology for expanding its manufacturing facility in Pharr, expected to create 250 jobs and increase capacity for memory module production for enterprise and automotive markets.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

Texas-Governor Meets SBA Administrator to Discuss Business Ecosystem

Governor Abbott met SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, highlighting Texas' position as a leader in technology and artificial intelligence and its partnership with the Trump Administration to advance the state's small business and entrepreneur ecosystem.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

Ohio Awards $7.3 Million for Demolition Projects Across 32 Counties

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced $7.3 million in grants to assist 32 counties in demolishing unsafe, blighted buildings, supporting economic development and broadband expansion as part of the Ohio BUILDS Initiative.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• India minister urges market regulator to boost global consultations, tackle cyber risks: Calls for enhanced global cyber risk coordination from Indian authorities.
• Vodafone offers small businesses cybersecurity, AI capability with Google tie-up: Vodafone partners with Google to deliver cybersecurity and AI tools to small businesses.
• How Cybercrime Became a Leading Industry in ‘Scambodia’: Cambodia is emerging as a cybercrime hub, with organized digital scams on the rise.
• US Justice Department intervenes in xAI challenge to Colorado tech law: Federal intervention in the legal dispute over Colorado’s AI regulation.
• Putin defends Russian internet outages as necessary security measure: President Putin justifies recent internet outages as security operations.
• China-linked hackers using everyday devices to hide attacks, cyber agencies warn: Cyber agencies caution about Chinese attackers using common hardware for stealth.
• 'The absolute edge of precedent': Feds prepare to take on data centers: U.S. federal agencies ready new action on data center regulations tied to AI.

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