THE REGULATORY MIX AND BLOG ARTICLES

FCC’s Pai on 5G FAST Plan

At a White House event last week, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai spoke about outlined the FCC’s 5G FAST Plan and the progress made so far to implement that plan.  With respect to the first part of the strategy, freeing up spectrum, he noted that the FCC finished its first 5G spectrum auction in January, and is holding a second right now that’s already generated almost $2 billion in bids. 

US Senate Digital Equity Act

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), is the lead sponsor of new legislation aimed at closing the growing digital divide in communities across the country. The Digital Equity Act of 2019 creates new federal investments targeted toward a diverse array of projects at the state and local level that promote “digital equity”— a concept defined by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance as the “condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy.” 

FCC’s O’Rielly on 911 Fee Diversion

FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly released the text of his letter to the Governors of New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island concerning their states diversion of 911 funds.  O’Rielly told the Governors that their three states diverted the most money in both total funding diverted and on a percentage basis, according to the Commission's most recent report.  O’Rielly said “Diversion of 9-1-1 fees is a serious public safety matter…

US House Passes Save the Internet Act

Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement after H.R. 1644, the Save the Internet Act, passed on the floor of the House of Representatives by a vote of 232-190:

FCC Agenda For April Open Meeting

US Senate ACCESS BROADBAND Act

Senator Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced the ACCESS BROADBAND Act with Senators Doug Jones (D-AL), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).  The companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Susan Brooks (R-Ind).  This bicameral legislation is intended to foster the development and growth of broadband resources for businesses as well as underserved urban and rural communities throughout the country.

FCC Announces Authorization for CAF II Winning Bidders

The FCC announced it is ready to authorize Connect America Fund Phase II auction (Auction 903) support for the Auction 903 winning bids identified in Attachment A.  To be authorized to receive the total 10-year support amounts the bidders must submit acceptable irrevocable standby letter(s) of credit and Bankruptcy Code opinion letter(s) from their legal counsel for each state where they have winning bids that are ready to be authorized prior to 6:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 17, 2019. 

FCC’s O’Reilly on USF Budgetary Cap

In a blog posting, FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly shared this thoughts on an item circulating among the Commissioners that would establish an overall cap on the federal USF program.  He said, in part: “[a]lot of foolish policy ideas are floated in Washington, DC, so it’s fortuitous when the federal government undertakes thoughtful and sensible policy reform. 

Senators Want to Designate April as National 9-1-1 Education Month

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Richard Burr (R-NC), co-chairs of the Next Generation 911 Caucus, introduced a resolution designating April 2019 as “National 9–1–1 Education Month.”  The resolution also urges governmental officials, parents, teachers, school administrators, caregivers, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies, training events, and activities. Among other things, the resolution suggests programs to promote proper use of 9–1–1 could include  (1) public awareness events, including conferences, media outreach, and training activities for parents, teachers, school administrators, other caregivers, and businesses;  (2) educational events in schools and other appropriate venues; and (3) production and distribution of information about the 9–1–1 system designed to educate people of all ages on the importance and proper use of 9–1–1.

US Congress E-Frontier Act

U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) have reintroduced the Eliminate From Regulators Opportunities to Nationalize The Internet in Every Respect Act (E-FRONTIER Act). This bipartisan legislation would put into place protections for commercial 5G broadband networks from nationalization without the explicit authorization from Congress.