April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026

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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

FCC Open Commission Meeting to Address Spectrum, Robocalls, Equipment Security

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will hold an open meeting on April 30, 2026, at its Washington, DC headquarters, focusing on a multifaceted agenda with implications for telecommunications and digital infrastructure markets. The agenda includes final rules to modernize spectrum-sharing frameworks for satellite broadband, updated protocols to combat unlawful robocalls—with a further notice of proposed rulemaking strengthening 'Know-Your-Customer' requirements—and new measures to protect U.S. networks from national security threats, including the exclusion of entities on the "Covered List" from section 214 services. The FCC will introduce enhanced enforcement procedures in equipment authorization and will implement a competitive bidding portal for the E-Rate program, effective FY 2028. Accessibility for visually impaired audiences will also be discussed under the Audible Crawl Rule. Live webcast access and media attendance are available for the meeting.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Permitting Innovators Call for Digital Transformation Solutions

The Council on Environmental Quality, in partnership with NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation, opened the Permitting Innovators Call for Solutions to technology industry partners on April 28, 2026. This federal initiative invites proposals from technology companies, researchers, and non-profits for digital tools capable of modernizing federal permitting processes. Focus areas include workflow automation, business process modernization, digital-first document management, and improving project timeline predictability. Up to 50 top proposals will be selected for presentation at the Permitting Innovators Expo in Washington, D.C. this July and catalogued for future reference. An informational webinar is scheduled for May 14, 2026.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FCC Proposes Extensions and Reviews on IT, Access, and Data Security Regulations

Multiple FCC information collections are up for extension and public comment, with deadlines in late May and June 2026. These include requirements for on-board station equipment records (OMB 3060-0264), formal agreements for private coast/marine utility stations installing ship radio (OMB 3060-0297), and effective competition petitions (OMB 3060-0560). The Commission is also extending CORES registration requirements (OMB 3060-0917, FCC Form 160), which underpin business, governmental, and private sector access to FCC regulatory transactions. Respondents span commercial entities, governments, and nonprofits. The FCC is soliciting input on necessity, efficiency, and opportunities to reduce regulatory burden.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

ITC Terminates Investigations on Wireless, Semiconductor Devices Following Settlements

The U.S. International Trade Commission terminated two significant Section 337 investigations this week. In Investigation No. 337-TA-1413 (wireless front-end modules), the ITC terminated proceedings after parties reached a joint stipulation for dismissal, concluding the case between Skyworks entities and several international respondents. In Investigation No. 337-TA-1465 (semiconductor devices), the Commission approved an initial determination by the ALJ to end the probe as parties settled, with Adeia and AMD reaching agreement and Adeia withdrawing complaints against other respondents. No petitions for review were filed in either case; all public interest and rule compliance standards were met.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

FCC Corrects and Updates Spectrum Rules in 900 MHz Band

The FCC issued technical corrections to its 47 CFR Part 27 rules governing the 896-901/935-940 MHz band. During routine regulatory review, minor formatting and wording issues in performance benchmarks and licensing requirements were identified in the earlier final rule published March 31, 2026. Corrections clarify threshold requirements for broadband licensees and specify population and geographic coverage benchmarks, penalties for non-compliance, and continuity obligations. Effective April 30, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 Advances to President

Senate Bill 98, the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025, has been presented to the President after passage in both chambers. The bill addresses broadband service reliability and deployment in rural areas.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act on Union Calendar

H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, focused on cybersecurity improvements for rural and municipal utilities, was placed on the Union Calendar as of April 30, 2026.

Sources: www.congress.gov

National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act Moves Forward

H.R. 8462, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, was ordered to be reported (amended) by voice vote on April 29, 2026. The bill pertains to reauthorizing and expanding federal quantum information science programs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

AI Safety and Consumer Disclosure: New Legislative Proposals

H.R. 8623, a bill to require artificial intelligence chatbots to implement age verification and make disclosures, was referred to the Judiciary Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee for further consideration on April 30, 2026.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Broadband Equity and Compliance Tools Bill Introduced in Senate

S. 4448, a bill instructing the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop tracking tools for BEAD program grants and to help agencies improve communications application processing, was read twice and sent to the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

New York Governor Announces Expansion in Community College Enrollment and Tech Pathways

New York Governor Kathy Hochul reported substantial increases in CUNY and SUNY community college enrollment post-pandemic, citing program growth in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. The FY 2026-27 executive budget broadens eligibility for key education initiatives targeting high-demand fields, adding logistics and emergency management.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Exclusive: US officials weigh cutting deadlines to fix digital flaws amid worries over AI-powered hacking, sources say: Reuters reports federal agencies may accelerate required patch deadlines for vulnerabilities due to AI-aided cyber threats.
• Data centers used to be a prize. States are having second thoughts.: Politico examines state-level reevaluation of tax and incentive policies for data center projects.
• ‘We Know You Live Right Here’: No Secrets in America’s New Surveillance Dragnet: The Wall Street Journal details the proliferation of digital surveillance and consequences for privacy in law enforcement.
• Meta partners with space startup Overview Energy to secure solar power for data centers: Reuters covers Meta’s agreement with Overview Energy for orbital solar solutions supporting data center energy requirements.
• Beyond IEEPA: When trade law becomes national security policy: Reuters explores interactions between trade statutes, export controls, and technology supply chain security.

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