Full shut down on June 10, 2027 SUMMARY Google announced that the Google Cloud Spectrum Access System (SAS) for the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum band is being retired. Effective June 10, 2026, Google is no longer accepting new SAS customers or new CBRS deployments. Existing Google SAS customers may continue operations during the … Read more
News & Announcements
Order released on July 1, 2026 SUMMARY The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an Order on July 1, 2026, hitting the pause button on (1) the support phase-out of Lifeline voice services, and (2) the data capacity increase for mobile broadband for an additional year. Therefore, the basic lifeline benefit will remain at $5.25 for eligible voice-only … Read more
Networks operate continuously, and even brief disruptions can impact performance, customer experience, and long-term growth. As infrastructure becomes more complex, organizations need consistent visibility and expert support to maintain stability and take decisive next steps with confidence. VNOC by Vantage Point provides the Network Operations Center (NOC) support that providers need. By combining continuous monitoring with expert analysis and structured response processes, VNOC helps organizations shift … Read more
FCC Exceeded its Statutory Authority by Adopting Disparate Impact Liability SUMMARY On May 6, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (Court) issued an opinion vacating in full the FCC’s “digital discrimination of access” rules, codified at 47 C.F.R. Part 16. The Court held that Section 60506 of the Infrastructure Investment and … Read more
Details Released on May 1, 2026 SUMMARY On May 1, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration, DA-26-30, announcing the establishment of a competitive bidding portal to be launched in 2028. Service providers will respond to FCC Form 470, Description of Services Requested and Certification Form, by submitting their … Read more
Public Notice Released April 29, 2026 SUMMARY On April 29, 2026, the FCC released DA 26-420 announcing the launch of the coverage restoration process to begin on May 7, 2026. Fixed or Mobile service providers will utilize this process to restore availability coverage on the National Broadband Map (NBM). The commission also released a Data Specifications for … Read more
Draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Released, Comments Requested. SUMMARY On April 29, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled “Reforming the High‑Cost Program for an All‑IP Future,” initiating a broad review of the High‑Cost Universal Service Fund (USF) program. The NPRM seeks comment on potential reforms to … Read more
Expanding Backup Power Expertise MITCHELL, SD – April 20, 2026 — Vantage Point Solutions announced that Applied Power Services has joined the firm, strengthening its Backup Power services and expanding support for clients operating critical infrastructure. Applied Power Services adds specialized expertise in DC power systems, battery installation and maintenance, and safety-driven field services. The … Read more
Strengthening Banking Consulting Services MITCHELL, SD – April 14, 2026 — Vantage Point, a national consulting firm serving financial institutions, today announced the acquisition of McCormack and Associates, Inc. (MAi), an Oklahoma-based banking consulting firm. The acquisition expands Vantage Point’s Banking Division and enhances service capabilities for clients in Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. The transaction … Read more
Now easier to transition to VoIP from legacy TDM technologies. SUMMARY On March 27, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Report and Order revising Section 214 discontinuance rules, eliminating legacy filing burdens for technology transitioning carriers including 251(c)(5) interconnection network change disclosures, and imposing new safeguards for 911 continuity during the transition to … Read more
Now includes routers produced in a foreign country. SUMMARY On March 23, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated its Covered List to include all consumer-grade routers produced in foreign countries. The FCC’s guidance states that Supply Chain Annual Report filers need only report equipment or services obtained 60 days or more after the date they are added to the Covered … Read more
At Vantage Point, we know that expertise isn’t static. Just like your business operation — it evolves. That’s why we invest in continuous learning and professional development across our teams. In 2025, team members across the organization earned new certifications that deepen our capabilities and strengthen the support we provide to clients every day. What This Means For You These … Read more
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) models are critical for detecting suspicious activity and ensuring compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). For community banks and credit unions, these models often include transaction monitoring systems, customer risk scoring tools, and sanctions screening applications. After performing over 100 AML model validations over the past 10 years, I understand the … Read more
First-time filers with no covered equipment are required to file. SUMMARY On March 13, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice reminding all providers of advanced communications services that Supply Chain Annual Reports reflecting the status as of December 31, 2025, must be submitted no later than March 31, 2026. The Secure … Read more
$1.9 Billion in Funding Available for Grid Reliability, Capacity Expansion, and Advanced Transmission Technologies SUMMARY The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Electricity has announced approximately $1.9 billion in competitive funding under the SPARK (Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades) initiative. Funded through the Infrastructure Investment and … Read more
We are pleased to share that EnerVision has joined the Vantage Point Solutions family of companies, as two industry leaders combine to form a single entity. This is big news, and we look forward to the bright future ahead of us. EnerVision now becomes the enhanced Power Consulting department within Vantage Point’s suite of engineering … Read more
Larry Thompson, Vantage Point’s CEO, Founder, and Executive Director, NTCA Industry Committee member, and previously a representative on the FCC’s Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee, says, “I have worked closely with Mike Romano for decades on policy, analysis, advocacy, industry strategy, and numerous executive matters. There are very few individuals who understands as much about not … Read more
SUMMARY On January 22, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice announcing Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval and effective dates related to Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD) filing requirements: Annual RMD Recertification due March 2, 2026 Note the Public Notice states March 1, 2026 which falls on a Sunday; due date is March … Read more
Effective date February 5, 2026. SUMMARY The effective date for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Order released on January 8, 2025 is February 5, 2026. The intent of the order was to improve the overall integrity of the Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD) submissions and reinforce the procedures provided by which providers must abide to submit, update and maintain accurate … Read more
Public Notice released December 30, 2025. SUMMARY In a Public Notice released December 30, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the final Enhanced Alternative Connect America Model (E-ACAM) locations and support amounts. The E-ACAM final location file incorporates: WHAT IMPACTS ARE ANTICIPATED Carriers that accepted E-ACAM support funding can utilize this information to determine the final … Read more
