THE REGULATORY MIX AND BLOG ARTICLES

New Hampshire Enacts Bill Calling for Study on 5G Technology

A recently enacted bill calls for the creation of a Commission to study the environmental and health effects of 5G technology.  The Commission’s study will include earlier generation technologies as well.  The purpose of the study is to examine the advantages and risks associated with 5G technology, with a focus on its environmental impact and potential health effects, particularly on children, fetuses, the elderly, and those with existing health compromises.

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FTC Imposes Record $5 Billion Fine Against Facebook

In a press release, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that Facebook, Inc. will pay a record-breaking $5 billion penalty, and submit to new restrictions and a modified corporate structure that will hold the company accountable for the decisions it makes about its users’ privacy, to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the company violated a 2012 FTC order by deceiving users about their ability to control the privacy of their personal information.

Alabama Awards $1.14 Million in Broadband Grants

Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced she has awarded more than $1.14 million in grants to provide access to high-speed internet in several Alabama communities.  The six grants are the second round of awards presented by Gov. Ivey under the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund.  In the latest round, some providers were awarded more than one grant to provide service in different areas.

New York to get $39.2 Million in Federal Funding

The FCC announced authorization of over $39.2 million in federal funding over the next decade to expand broadband to 15,442 unserved rural New York homes and businesses, in partnership with the state’s New NY Broadband Program.  Providers will begin receiving funding this month.

FCC Chairman Pai Statement on SHAKEN/STIR Robocall Summit

In a release, Chairman Pai issued a statement on the FCC’s recent SHAKEN/STIR Robocall Summit.  Chairman Pai stated in part:

“The summit was productive, and we received generally encouraging signs that companies are headed toward full implementation of the SHAKEN/STIR caller ID authentication framework.”

Oregon Enacts Inmate Service Provider Law

Oregon has enacted a new law that governs telephone services provided to inmates.  Among other things, the new law: specifies what fee or commission the Department of Corrections (DOC) can receive from an inmate services provider (Provider); provides for per minute rate caps;

Connecticut Law Establishes 5G Technology Council

A new law in Connecticut establishes a Council on 5G Technology (Council). The Council will oversee the requests of carriers to place wireless (including small wireless) facilities.  Among other things, the law requires the council to (1) adopt guidelines for safely placing personal wireless service facilities and protecting open space land and (2) perform due diligence and review comments from any entities that own property within a 500-foot radius of any state-owned real property under the Council’s review.

Michigan Announces $20 Million in Internet Access Grants

The Governor of Michigan announced the opening of applications for the Connecting Michigan Communities (CMIC) grant program to increase broadband in underserved areas of Michigan. While much of Michigan has access to high-speed broadband internet service, there are still many rural areas lacking this vital connectivity.   “Access to high-speed internet is a must to compete in today’s society,” said Whitmer.  “Connecting all Michigan communities with broadband service is about leveling the playing field for every child and small business in the state. Everyone should be able to fully explore their passions and talents, no matter where they live, and not be held back by a lack of infrastructure.”

US Senators Introduce Cybersecurity Bill

In a press release, US Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Gary Peters (D-MI) announced that they introduced The Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Act of 2019, which aims to better educate small businesses on cybersecurity through counselors and resources offered at Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs).  Specifically, the bill directs the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to become a cybersecurity clearinghouse by consolidating and managing federal government cybersecurity materials so small businesses can easily access information in one place.