August 16, 2026 to August 22, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

USITC Requests Public Comment on Remedial Orders for Certain Wireless Communications Devices

The International Trade Commission published a notice on August 20 seeking public submissions regarding the proposed exclusion orders and cease-and-desist orders for certain wireless communications devices and components under Investigation No. 337-TA-1429. Dell Technologies and Lenovo are named respondents. Stakeholders are instructed to address the potential impact of the recommended orders on public health, the US economy, production of competitive articles, and consumers. Submissions of up to five pages are due by September 15, electronically via EDIS. Confidential filings are permitted under Commission rules.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Seeks Emergency Review for Real-Time Text Transition Information Collection

On August 17, the Federal Communications Commission submitted an information collection to OMB for emergency review regarding the transition from TTY to real-time text (RTT) technologies. The collection addresses education, outreach, and reporting requirements as wireless network infrastructure migrates toward IP-based formats. Service providers and manufacturers must inform consumers about RTT alternatives and coordinate with relevant organizations on accessible communication for emergency calls such as 911. The collection covers up to 608 respondents, with an estimated annual burden of 70,528 hours. Public comments are due by September 16.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Information Collections on Spectrum Assignments and Transfers Under Delegated Authority

On August 20, the FCC requested comments on its continued use of Form 603 for assignments and transfers of wireless authorizations across various services, including public mobile, broadband radio, and educational broadband. The multi-purpose form streamlines reporting for partitioning, auctioned services, and notification processes, requiring electronic submission. An annual cost burden of $532,728 and total annual burden of 2,957 hours are projected, with 2,567 respondents affected. Comments are due by October 19.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Initiates Emergency Information Collection for C-Band Space Station Transition and Payments

The FCC published a notice on August 20 outlining new requirements for space station operator transition plans and incumbent earth station lump sum payment elections in the 3.7 GHz band. The July 2026 Upper C-band Report and Order directs incumbents to clear 4.0-4.16 GHz for terrestrial wireless use. Operators must submit detailed transition plans and choose between reimbursement or lump sum payments per site. Public auction of new licenses is scheduled to be completed by July 4, 2027, with all incumbent operations cleared by December 2030 or June 2031. Projected annual burden is 104,160 hours and $540,000. Comments due September 21.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Directs Agencies to Modernize US Space Transportation Policies

President Donald J. Trump issued a National Security Presidential Memorandum on August 20 to overhaul space transportation policies, targeting over 1,000 launches and reentries annually by 2030. The Memorandum mandates cross-agency collaboration with industry, prioritizes airspace for space launch corridors, and calls for integration of space activities into air traffic modernization. Agencies must promote commercial lunar and Mars transportation, develop cost recovery strategies, and identify infrastructure sites. The directive underscores securing critical assets and supporting new space economy capabilities, with involvement from NASA and other federal offices.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Protecting Local Control of Data Centers Act

Bill 10119, titled Protecting Local Control of Data Centers Act, was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on August 20. The bill addresses jurisdictional authority over data center development and management.

Sources: www.congress.gov

No Data Center NDAs Act

Bill 10118, named No Data Center NDAs Act, was referred to the House Committee on House Administration. The bill concerns transparency requirements regarding non-disclosure agreements in the data center sector.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Army Quantum Readiness and Advanced Computing Initiative

Bill 10130 directs the Secretary of the Army to establish an Army Quantum Readiness and Advanced Computing Initiative. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services, focusing on military computational capability expansion.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Lunar Landing Day Act

Bill 5123, titled Lunar Landing Day Act, falls within the Science, Technology, Communications policy area and is currently held at the desk pending further action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Where are authorities restricting data centres amid AI boom?: Governments are imposing stricter regulations on data centre sites in response to rising AI demand.
• Meta’s Trial Puts Big Tech’s Duty of Care Under the Microscope: Meta faces trial scrutiny relating to industry expectations for the duty of care in cybersecurity.
• An Innovation Veteran on What’s Next in Enterprise AI: Insights on future directions of artificial intelligence solutions in enterprise applications.
• Trump’s Privateer Hacking Plan Brings High Risk to Companies Taking Part: Analysis of risks corporations face under proposed privateer hacking initiatives.
• Musk's Starlink reapplies for India approval of satellite network, ET reports: Starlink has reapplied for government clearance to establish satellite services in India.
• Breakingviews - Europe’s data centre crown is France’s to lose: France is positioned as Europe’s leading data center hub amid regional competition.
• Europe AI data centres seek cheaper, quicker energy and land: Operators in Europe are searching for faster, cost-effective energy and land solutions to support AI-driven expansion.

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