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.

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Dates: 2026-05-03 to 2026-05-09

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity: Closed Briefing on Cyber Operations and Readiness: The Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity is scheduled to receive a closed briefing on cyber operations and readiness for Q4 FY2025 and Q1 FY2026 on May 13, 2026, at the Capitol Visitor Center (Senate side, Room 217).

Federal Government News

FCC Proposes Excluding 'Covered List' Entities from Blanket Domestic Section 214 Authority

The Federal Communications Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on May 8, 2026, to amend regulations under 47 CFR Part 63. The proposal would exclude entities identified on the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act's 'Covered List' from using blanket domestic section 214 authority to provide interstate telecommunications services. Affected entities, including their affiliates and subsidiaries, would be required to apply individually for Commission approval, with the review process involving Team Telecom and enhanced foreign ownership disclosures. The NPRM also seeks comment on treatment of future additions to the Covered List, revocation procedures for existing authorizations, potential prohibitions on interconnection, and possible rule modifications affecting unlicensed wireless operations. Comments are due by June 8, 2026, and reply comments by July 7, 2026, with a summary and supporting documents available on the FCC's website.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Solicits Comment on Enhanced Numbering Policies to Combat Illegal Robocalls

On May 8, 2026, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in several dockets to strengthen numbering policies as part of ongoing robocall mitigation. The proposal would extend VoIP direct access robocall certification requirements to all service providers receiving numbering resources and to resellers, with robust reporting obligations using the Numbering Resource Utilization/Forecast (NRUF) form. The Commission outlined new reporting subcategories, potential limits on multi-level resale of numbering resources, and mechanisms for increasing state commission access to provider-specific NRUF data. The NPRM also considers measures targeting number cycling, improved tracking of telephone number custody, and the authority of state commissions to withhold resources upon regulatory violations. Implementation timelines vary, and public comments are sought on cost estimates and burden on small providers.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Finalizes Revised Pole Attachment Rules to Accelerate Wireline Broadband Deployment

The FCC announced the effective date, May 7, 2026, for revisions to its pole attachment rules following the Fifth Report and Order, approved by OMB on April 17, 2026. The amendments apply to 47 CFR Part 1, with new provisions for mid-sized and large pole attachment orders, including mandatory advance notice, specific timelines for application review, surveys, estimates, and make-ready procedures. Utilities are required to respond to add-contractor requests within 30 days, while attachers gain self-help rights and can use qualified contractors when utilities fail to provide lists timely. The FCC expects these changes to facilitate broadband deployment by providing more predictable processes for infrastructure projects. The total annual reporting burden is estimated at 146,264 hours, with estimated costs of $1,800.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Proposes FY 2026 Regulatory Fee Schedule and Reallocations

On May 8, 2026, the FCC outlined a proposed regulatory fee schedule for Fiscal Year 2026, aiming to collect $416,112,000 in line with congressional appropriations. The proposal includes reallocating 59 indirect Full-Time Equivalents as direct FTEs to core licensing bureaus and considers maintaining population-based assessments for full-power television, evaluating the use of Broadband Data Collection (BDC) metrics for future Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) fees. Payment options, assessment methods, applicable entities, and potential impacts on small businesses are presented. The FCC seeks comments on fairness and administrability of the fee structure.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Requests Comment on Paperwork Reduction and Data Collection for Multiple Services

The FCC is reviewing several information collections under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Notices cover Part 32 Uniform System of Accounts (OMB 3060-1247), Form 605 for ship, aircraft, and telecommunications services (OMB 3060-0850), Low Power FM application form Schedule 318 (OMB 3060-0920), and Forms 314 and 315 for broadcast station assignment/transfer (OMB 3060-0031). Comment periods range from June to July 2026, and affected stakeholders include telecommunications carriers, broadcasters, and equipment operators. Proposed reviews seek feedback on reporting burdens, utility, and possible reductions for small entities.

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

Legislative Updates

Bill to Require Data Center Security Strategy

Bill 8711 mandates a strategy for the defense of data centers against external breaches and protection of surrounding communities. The measure was referred to the Committees on Homeland Security and Energy and Commerce on May 7, 2026.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Resolution to Disapprove CFPB Rule Withdrawal on Sensitive Consumer Data Security

Bill 179 provides for congressional disapproval of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection's withdrawal of its rule regarding 'Insufficient Data Protection or Security for Sensitive Consumer Information.' The bill was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Congress Is Doing Little to Prepare for Potential A.I. Job Losses: Lawmakers have yet to deliver federal action addressing possible workforce changes from artificial intelligence.
• Australia's ALS restores most services after cyber incident; data impact under review: ALS resumed most operations post-cyber incident, as investigations continue on potential data risks.
• Behind the White House’s Potential Rethink on A.I.: Reporting suggests the administration is reassessing its regulatory approach to artificial intelligence.
• World Cup viewing in doubt for millions of fans in India and China: FIFA faces distribution challenges, with streaming and broadcasting issues affecting World Cup access in major Asian markets.

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