Today: AT&T Launches Second Test of AirGig, FCC to Archive BDS Proceeding Confidential Data, Rhode Island Opts-In to FirstNet Plan, States Considering Legislation on Net Neutrality 

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AT&T Launches Second Test of Ultra-Fast Internet Project AirGig

AT&T launched their second trial of the project in the state of Georgia.  AirGig is a unique system that could deliver well over one gigabit per second via a millimeter wave (mmWave) signal while attached to existing power lines.  These devices can be attached by trained electrical workers in only a few minutes.  There are two trials currently in progress.  The first was outside the U. S.  The newest trial recently kicked off in the state of Georgia in cooperation with Georgia Power.  Ultimately, the goal of this project would be to bring high speed broadband to rural, suburban, and urban areas.  There is no timeline set for commercial deployment yet. 

FCC To Archive BDS Proceeding Confidential Data

The FCC announced that as of December 31, 2017, all data and work product related to the highly confidential data filed in its business data services (BDS) proceeding will be saved and archived pending judicial review of the Order.  The FCC previously said that the data, stored in “virtual lockers” under protective orders would be deleted.  See the Regulatory Mix dated 10/17/17.   The FCC said that archiving data and virtual lockers will allow it to provide parties access to the data in the enclave and related work product in the virtual lockers should doing so become necessary as a result of the judicial review.

Rhode Island Opts-In to FirstNet Plan

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency announced the State's decision to accept the FirstNet plan to deliver a wireless broadband network to the state's public safety community.  FirstNet will bring advanced technologies that will greatly improve wireless broadband communications coverage and reliability for first responders in the State of Rhode Island, and help first responders save lives and protect communities.

States Considering Legislation on Net Neutrality:

California

Senator Scott Wiener announced plans to introduce legislation to establish net neutrality protections in California after the FCC repealed national Net Neutrality regulations.  Senator Wiener will introduce the legislation in January, when the State Legislature returns for session in Sacramento.  “Net Neutrality is essential to our 21st century democracy, and we need to be sure that people can access websites and information freely and fairly,” said Senator Scott Wiener.  “If the FCC is going to destroy Net Neutrality and create a system that favors certain web sites just because they can pay more money, California must step in and ensure open internet access in Californians.”

New York

Assembly member Patricia Fahy announced draft legislation that will help ensure free and open internet protections remain in place in New York State.  The legislation directs New York’s Public Service Commission (PSC) to establish a process for internet service providers (ISPs) to certify that they follow net neutrality principles.  In order to make these certifications, the PSC will use federally-mandated reporting requirements on net neutrality, which require ISPs publicly disclose practices such as throttling.  Using these federally mandated reporting requirements will ensure New York State is able to counteract the FCC’s ruling while avoiding federal preemption. 

Washington

Governor Jay Inslee joined Attorney General Bob Ferguson, legislators, and business leaders to announce state plans to preserve an open internet and protect Washington consumers from internet companies that are not transparent about costs or services.  The Governor’s proposal includes pursuing the following actions: 

• Hold companies to their commitments not to block websites, throttle speeds, or impose prioritization pricing
• Leverage the state’s power as a large purchaser of ISP and telecommunications services
• Hold companies accountable for warranties made to consumers
• Encourage new entrants into the currently concentrated ISP market

Watch for more information in The Regulatory Mix regarding Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey and other states as they determine what action (if any) they will take on Net Neutrality.

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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.