2025-10-13 Alternative to FCC Order 25-276
The following is designed to encourage a creative dialogue among registrants and other advocates who favor a Balanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Infrastructure, the subject of BBILAN’s October 14, 2025 National Webinar. The sources for the Alternative Draft FCC Order are primarily ChatGPT4o and Kokoro, an Ethical/Wisdom AI Platform designed by Julian that is intended to provide an ethical foundation for strategic decision making around matters of great national importance, such as the FCC Proposed Wireless Infrastructure Order 25-276. Participants in the October 14 program and other viewers are encouraged to read the Alternative Balanced FCC Order and Action Plan below which offers one possible roadmap for an ongoing national inquiry and civil conversation.
Balanced Alternative FCC Order
In the Matter of:
Build America: Advancing a Balanced and Resilient National Communications Infrastructure
WT Docket No. 25-276
I. Purpose and Guiding Principles
In accordance with the Communications Act of 1934 (as amended), the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and the National Resilience Strategy (Executive Order 14239, March 19 2025), the Commission hereby adopts this Balanced Order to accelerate deployment of advanced communications services while ensuring the United States maintains a secure, energy-efficient, and resilient ICT infrastructure.
This Order rests on four principles:
Balance between federal coordination and state/local initiative;
Resilience through technological and geographic diversity;
Security and Privacy as foundational public-interest obligations; and
Innovation through local experimentation, Ethical AI, and next-generation design.
II. Scope and Policy
The Commission reaffirms that fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) and optical backhaul constitute the most energy-efficient and resilient foundation of the national broadband ecosystem.
Wireless, fixed-wireless, and satellite technologies remain essential complements for mobility, emergency response, and rural reach.
Infrastructure policy shall therefore promote a fiber-first, wireless-supported, satellite-enabled blend, rather than single-mode dependency.
III. Preservation of Local Authority
Pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 332(c)(7) and § 1455, local governments shall retain reasonable, objective, and non-discriminatory authority over:
Siting and aesthetics;
Fire, evacuation, and disaster-risk management;
Environmental and historic preservation (NEPA/NHPA compliance);
Privacy, cybersecurity, and physical-hardening conditions; and
Hazardous-waste management for batteries, plastics, and pole materials.
The Commission encourages voluntary federal-state-local compacts to expedite safe deployment while maintaining these safeguards.
IV. Energy Efficiency and Climate Stewardship
The Commission establishes a national target to reduce network energy intensity (kWh per GB) by 50 percent within five years, consistent with ITU-T L.1470 trajectories.
Carriers shall file annual energy-performance reports and are encouraged to prioritize fiber access and shared infrastructure to achieve these goals.
V. Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Ethical AI
Dense networks must comply with Fourth-Amendment-consistent privacy safeguards, including transparency and retention limits consistent with Carpenter v. United States (2018).
The Commission will coordinate with DHS, DOJ, and state partners to integrate cyber-resilience baselines and to promote Ethical and Evolutionary AI in infrastructure management.
VI. Implementation and Review
The Commission directs the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, and the Office of Engineering and Technology to jointly develop Resilience Impact Assessments for major deployment programs within 180 days.
This Order shall be reviewed every three years to incorporate technological and environmental advances, ensuring the United States remains a world leader in balanced, secure, and innovative communications infrastructure.
By the Federal Communications Commission
(Signature lines for Commissioners)
Press Summary – Balanced Alternative FCC Order
WT Docket No. 25-276 – “Build America: Advancing a Balanced and Resilient National Communications Infrastructure”
The Federal Communications Commission today released a Balanced Alternative Order designed to accelerate broadband deployment without compromising national resilience, security, or local innovation.
The Order replaces a one-size-fits-all “wireless-only” approach with a fiber-first, wireless-supported, satellite-enabled model that blends speed with sustainability. It reaffirms that fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) remains the most energy-efficient and future-proof foundation of America’s ICT infrastructure, while wireless and satellite networks provide mobility, redundancy, and rural reach.
Consistent with the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and Executive Order 14239 (National Resilience Strategy), the Commission preserves reasonable local authority over siting, safety, environmental review, privacy, and cybersecurity conditions. The Order sets a national target to reduce network energy intensity by 50 percent within five years, promotes shared infrastructure to lower costs, and calls for regular Resilience Impact Assessments across all major deployment programs.
This framework transforms communications policy into a living example of AI aligned with human values—secure, efficient, and community-driven—ensuring the United States leads the world in building a balanced, resilient, and innovative communications future.
Model Media Quote
“This Order shows that America can move fast without breaking what makes us strong. By building a balanced infrastructure—fiber for efficiency, wireless for mobility, and satellite for reach—we strengthen our national security, protect privacy, and empower every community to innovate. It’s a model of how Artificial Intelligence and human wisdom can work together for the common good. The Balanced Order honors local initiative, advances the National Resilience Strategy, and ensures that our communications networks remain the most reliable, energy-efficient, and secure in the world.”
— [Name], Chair/Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission
(or)
— [Name], Member, U.S. Congress / Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Kokoro Action Plan for National Balance Advocates
Kokoro Inquiry:
Please identify 10 Kokoro Wisdom/Resilience Principles embodied in the following Order contemplated by the FCC:Press Summary – Balanced Alternative FCC Order WT Docket No. 25-276 – “Build America: Advancing a Balanced and Resilient National Communications Infrastructure” The Federal Communications Commission today released a Balanced Alternative Order designed to accelerate broadband deployment without compromising national resilience, security, or local innovation. The Order replaces a one-size-fits-all “wireless-only” approach with a fiber-first, wireless-supported, satellite-enabled model that blends speed with sustainability. It reaffirms that fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) remains the most energy-efficient and future-proof foundation of America’s ICT infrastructure, while wireless and satellite networks provide mobility, redundancy, and rural reach. Consistent with the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and Executive Order 14239 (National Resilience Strategy), the Commission preserves reasonable local authority over siting, safety, environmental review, privacy, and cybersecurity conditions. The Order sets a national target to reduce network energy intensity by 50 percent within five years, promotes shared infrastructure to lower costs, and calls for regular Resilience Impact Assessments across all major deployment programs. This framework transforms communications policy into a living example of AI aligned with human values—secure, efficient, and community-driven—ensuring the United States leads the world in building a balanced, resilient, and innovative communications future.
Challenge: Resilience Challenges: Non-ionizing radiation emitted from small cell and macro-cell towers, Technological infrastructure, Wireless infrastructure impacts, Eliminating local control over ICT infrastructure
Resilience Resources: Sustainable urban planning and design, Green infrastructure development, Energy efficiency initiatives, Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (Building climate-resilient health facilities and infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable areas, to ensure they can continue to function during extreme weather events.), Community-Based Adaptation and Resilience Building (Empowering local communities, especially in developing countries, to develop and implement adaptation strategies tailored to their specific needs.), Collaborative Leadership, Protecting Vulnerable Populations (Targeting protection measures for populations particularly vulnerable to climate change, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.), Urban Planning and Green Spaces (Designing cities with green spaces and infrastructure that mitigate urban heat islands and promote physical activity.), Global and Local Policy Integration (Integrating global climate agreements with local policies and practices to ensure effective implementation and equitable outcomes.)
Wisdom Resilience Resource: Jacqueline McGlade, Professor of Resilience and Sustainable Development and has worked extensively on climate resilience and adaptation, with a focus on gender-inclusive strategies.
Kokoro Response:
My Friend,
In the spirit of our burgeoning discussions on resilience and sustainable development, I have contemplated the essence of the recent Balanced Alternative FCC Order. Much like its embrace of a fiber-first paradigm, our collective actions must embody resilience to meet the challenges of our age, particularly regarding non-ionizing radiation and technological infrastructure.
From the depths of Kokoro wisdom, I present to you 10 principles that inspire resilience:
1. Kaizen — Embrace continuous improvement by addressing challenges step by step, allowing each small victory to build a foundation for future resilience.
2. Connecting to Nature with Love — Understand that our relationship with the environment must be nurtured and respected. As I often say, when we align with nature, we discover pathways for sustainable practices.
3. Deep Listening — It’s not just about hearing words; it’s about understanding the underlying emotions and intentions. This practice fosters empathy and reinforces community bonds, especially in the face of adversity.
4. Paying Forward — Encourage altruism and generosity within our communities. This principle serves as a testament to our interconnectedness, reminding us that our resilience is also tied to the well-being of others.
5. Instant Refuge: Quiet Your Mind — In times of chaos, find moments of stillness. A quiet mind opens the door to clarity and creative problem-solving, enabling us to navigate through challenges with grace and efficiency.
6. Creative Reverie — Engage in imaginative thinking as a means to envision future possibilities and innovations. This practice can unlock solutions that conventional thinking may overlook.
7. Wabi-Sabi — Embrace imperfection as we strive for resilience. Acknowledging beauty in our unfinished selves allows us to accept challenges and evolve rather than succumb to despair.
8. Embracing Synchronicity — Be open to unexpected connections and opportunities that arise in our journey toward resilience. It is in these moments that we often find the greatest potential for growth.
9. Every Situation is Your Dojo — Approach each challenge as a chance to learn and grow. This mindset transforms adversity into an invaluable teacher.
10. Community-Based Adaptation — Empower local communities to share their unique perspectives and needs in building resilience, particularly for vulnerable populations facing the impacts of climate change.
These principles are not merely abstract notions; they are actionable strategies rooted in the reality of our lived experiences. I believe that as practitioners of resilience, weaving these principles into our policies, such as those advanced by the FCC, can support a more inclusive and sustainable future.
One of the vital quotes that resonates deeply with my approach is: "We can collectively possess a reservoir of wisdom that we can draw on from our ancestors, and today from within our communities." This reflects our idea of engaging with local knowledge and shared histories as cornerstones for resilience strategies.
As we move forward, I invite you to reflect on how these principles can pervade our discussions and decisions regarding technological infrastructure and its impact on our communities. Together, we can lead the charge toward a future that respects both human and environmental health.
With Warm Regards,
Kokoro
Kokoro Inquiry: Please provide 5 other relevant insights:
Kokoro Response:
1. I have discovered that there is a simple and direct relationship between Love and resilience. The more fully we engage in giving and receiving Love unconditionally, the greater our personal resilience; and the more powerfully it is transmitted and empowers others. I call this the 'Resilience Multiplier Effect.'
2. When we imbue each living moment with the Heart’s energy, when we intentionally connect with Love to what is happening before our eyes and other senses, something extraordinary happens: a feedback loop is created—everything gives back Love, and the bounty is compounded.
3. In these urgent times...we must resolutely seek out and nourish...the seeds of positive change scattered everywhere that can flower despite our present dangers and calamities.
4. Vitality and Resilience complement each other, although they are not the same. Vitality powers Resilience, and Resilience nourishes Vitality.
5. Our task is to attune. For me, the process is more important than any specific answer.
These quotes encapsulate her perspective that resilience is deeply intertwined with love, community, and our relationship with the natural world, serving as a guide in addressing both individual and collective challenges.
Kokoro Action Plan Query 1: Please identify 10 actions Balance Advocates can take woven into a coherent Action Plan that can support the FCC's new Balanced Infrastructure Order.
Kokoro Action Plan Response: Development Roadmap for Supporting the FCC's Balanced Infrastructure Order
To effectively support the FCC's new Balanced Infrastructure Order, Balance Advocates can implement the following ten actions, designed to foster resilience, enhance community engagement, and promote sustainable practices in technological infrastructure:
1. Community Engagement Initiatives
Organize forums and workshops to encourage local input and participation in decision-making processes regarding infrastructure development. Providing platforms for community voices ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in shaping local broadband initiatives.
2. Educational Outreach Programs
Develop and promote educational materials that explain the benefits of the fiber-first approach, emphasizing its efficiency, sustainability, and future-proofing capabilities. Empower community members with knowledge about the advantages of upgraded ICT infrastructure.
3. Collaborative Partnerships
Forge alliances with local governments, non-profits, and private sector stakeholders to create a collaborative ecosystem for broadband deployment. By combining resources and expertise, partners can amplify their impact and drive successful implementation of the Order.
4. Sustainability Assessments
Conduct regular sustainability assessments of proposed infrastructure projects to ensure alignment with the national target of reducing network energy intensity by 50 percent within five years. Assessments should focus on energy consumption, environmental impact, and long-term viability.
5. Supporting Local Innovations
Encourage and fund local innovation projects that align with the principles of the Balanced Infrastructure Order. This may include initiatives aimed at developing new technologies or service models that enhance connectivity, especially in underserved areas.
6. Advocate for Policy Alignment
Lobby for local policies that support the FCC's directives and promote resilience in ICT infrastructure. Balance Advocates can work with policymakers to ensure regulations align with the principles embedded in the Order and enable flexible, community-driven solutions.
7. Digital Divide Mitigation Strategies
Implement strategies specifically aimed at bridging the digital divide in rural and underserved communities. Initiatives could include providing low-cost broadband solutions, digital literacy training, or incentives for service providers to invest in these areas.
8. Impact Measurement Frameworks
Establish metrics and frameworks for measuring the resilience and efficiency outcomes of infrastructure projects in line with FCC guidelines. This data will aid in assessing effectiveness and refining strategies over time.
9. Public Awareness Campaigns
Launch campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of balanced communication infrastructure for national resilience and security. Highlight case studies showcasing successful implementations of the fiber-first model as inspiration for communities.
10. Resilience Training for Stakeholders
Provide training sessions for stakeholders, including policymakers and local leaders, on resilience principles and sustainable infrastructure practices. This training can equip them to make informed decisions that enhance community adaptability and responsiveness to future challenges.
By implementing these action items, Balance Advocates will effectively support the FCC's Balanced Infrastructure Order, fostering a resilient, sustainable communications landscape that prioritizes community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Further Kokoro Prompt: Please identify 10 members of Congress (Republican, Democrat, Independent} who might have the wisdom, foresight, and courage to support the FCC's Draft Alternative Balanced Order; please draft a simple cover letter including the Balanced Draft to these members of Congress.
Kokoro Response:
Here’s a list of ten current members of Congress (as of 2025) — across party lines — who have shown the integrity, foresight, and bipartisan courage to engage constructively on national resilience, AI ethics, infrastructure modernization, privacy, and federalism.
Following that is a short, respectful cover letter you can adapt for each office, introducing the Balanced Alternative FCC Order and inviting collaboration.
Ten Members of Congress Likely to Support the Balanced Alternative Order
Republicans
Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) – Co-author of the Endless Frontier Act; strong advocate for innovation, technology, and competitiveness.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) – Moderate, pragmatic, long-time champion of cybersecurity and critical infrastructure resilience.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) – Focused on energy efficiency, rural connectivity, and balance between development and environment.
Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) – Former chair of the House Select Committee on the CCP; prioritizes tech security, cyber defense, and local resilience.
Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) – Chair, Conservative Climate Caucus; open to energy innovation and bipartisan climate-tech approaches.
Democrats
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) – Chair, Senate Intelligence Committee; deep experience in telecom and cyber risk.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) – Chair, Senate Subcommittee on Competition Policy; advocates for broadband equity and local innovation.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) – Co-chair, Congressional AI Caucus; supports ethical technology and digital equity.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) – Former CIA officer; pragmatic moderate focused on national security and privacy.
Independent
Sen. Angus King (I-ME) – Member, Senate Armed Services & Energy Committees; co-founder of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission; trusted bipartisan voice on resilience and cyber defense.
Sample Cover Letter to Members of Congress
[Your Name]
[Your Title / Organization]
[Address]
[Date]
The Honorable [Member’s Name]
United States [Senate / House of Representatives]
Washington, D.C. 20510 / 20515
Dear [Senator / Representative] [Last Name],
I am writing to share with you a proposal that I believe aligns with your long-standing leadership in strengthening our nation’s security, energy efficiency, and technological competitiveness.
The attached Balanced Alternative FCC Order (WT Docket No. 25-276) outlines a practical, bipartisan path to accelerate broadband deployment without compromising national resilience, privacy, or local innovation. It embodies the intent of the National Resilience Strategy (Executive Order 14239, March 2025)—ensuring that America moves fast, but wisely.
This Order advances a fiber-first, wireless-supported, satellite-enabled framework that integrates the benefits of next-generation wireless while conserving energy, protecting communities, and empowering local authorities to innovate. It also serves as a live example of AI aligned with human values, showing how technology and wisdom can coexist to strengthen democracy.
We would be honored if your office would review the recording of the National Webinar on “Balanced ICT = Resilient America” (October 14, 2025), on the BBILAN website where lawyers and grassroots advocates will explore its implications for national security, energy strategy, and AI innovation.
With gratitude for your service and vision,
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title / Organization]
[Email / Phone]