Today:  US House Hearing on 5G Mobile networks, FCC November Open Meeting, Pennsylvania Urges Citizens to Contact FCC to Preserve Broadband Funding  

US House Hearing on 5G Mobile Networks

The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology has scheduled a hearing for November 16, 2017, entitled “The Race to 5G and its Potential to Revolutionize American Competitiveness.”  The hearing will examine the benefits and efficiencies that fifth generation (5G) mobile networks will add to the economy and America’s global leadership in wireless innovation.  #SubCommTech members will look at some of the impediments to the deployment of 5G, including lack of available spectrum and burdensome regulations.  In connection with the hearing, Chairwoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) said: “The 5G revolution is here, and it is essential that we maintain our position as the global leader of technological innovation. This subcommittee will continue to work to unleash spectrum and push to develop 5G networks so we can ensure America’s 21st century wireless economy is competitive. I look forward to discussing solutions to deployment challenges and how to maximize efficient use of spectrum.”

FCC November Open Meeting

The FCC announced the final agenda for its November 16, 2017, Open Meeting.  As expected, it includes the following:

• Advanced Methods to Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls: A Report and Order that would expressly authorize voice service providers to block certain types of robocalls that falsely appear to be from telephone numbers that do not or cannot make outgoing calls. It also would prohibit voice service providers from blocking 911 calls under these rules, encourage voice service providers to provide a mechanism to allow subscribers whose legitimate calls are blocked in error to stop such blocking, and clarify and clarify that providers may exclude calls blocked under these rules from their call completion reports. 
• Use Of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz:  A Second Report Order on Reconsideration, and Memorandum Opinion and Order that would make available 1,700 MHz of additional high-frequency spectrum for flexible terrestrial wireless use; provide 4 gigahertz for satellite use; and adopt, refine, or affirm a number of service rules to promote robust deployment in these bands, and a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on certain related earth station, buildout, and licensing issues.
• Accelerating Wireless Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment: A Report to eliminate the requirement for historic preservation review where utility poles are replaced with substantially identical poles that can support antennas or other wireless communications equipment.
• Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment:  A Report and Order, Declaratory Ruling, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order that will revise and seek comment on further changes to the FCC's pole attachment rules, network change disclosure processes, and section 214(a) discontinuance processes to remove barriers to infrastructure investment and promote broadband deployment, and will seek comment on taking targeted actions to facilitate rebuilding and repairing broadband infrastructure after natural disasters.
• Bridging the Digital Divide for Low-Income Consumers:  A Fourth Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, Memorandum Opinion and Lifeline Order, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Notice of Inquiry to adopt and propose measures to effectively and efficiently bridge the digital divide for Lifeline subscribers and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program.
• FCC Form 325 Data Collection:  A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on whether to eliminate Form 325, Annual Report of Cable Television Systems or, in the alternative, on ways to modernize and streamline the form. 

The FCC will also consider two broadcast items.

See TMI Blog from Amy Gross, "Checking In @ The FCC - The November Open Meeting," posted 11/2/17

Pennsylvania Urges Citizens to Contact FCC to Preserve Broadband Funding.

The PUC issued a press release urging residents, businesses, local leaders and other concerned parties – especially in rural communities – to contact the FCC in support of efforts to preserve nearly $140 million in funding intended to increase access to high speed internet service in underserved areas in Pennsylvania.  The PUC notes that the FCC plans to conduct an auction to allocate the broadband funding that was not accepted by Verizon.  “We are concerned about a growing gap between Pennsylvania communities and businesses that have access to higher broadband speeds, and those that do not,” said Commissioner Sweet. “Now is the time for concerned citizens to make their voices heard, before the opportunity to preserve this funding slips away.”  The press release includes a link to information regarding how to submit comments electronically or by mail to the FCC. 

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The Regulatory Mix, TMI’s daily blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of a TMI Briefing.