Today:  US House Hearing on Broadband Coverage, FTC announces third PrivacyCon, CRTC updated Wireless Code - The Right to Unlock Mobile Devices

US House Hearing On Broadband Coverage

The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology announced it will hold a hearing on June 21, 2017, entitled, “Defining and Mapping Broadband Coverage in America.”  The hearing will explore the challenges and opportunities involved in reaching nationwide broadband coverage.  Members will look at the accuracy of data collection efforts when it comes to reaching unserved or underserved areas, as well as the robustness of available technologies.  “As I’ve said before, broadband is a necessity for business in the 21st century.  Unfortunately many folks in rural areas of Tennessee and across the country are being left behind due to a lack of broadband access,” said Chairman Blackburn.  “It’s imperative that we accurately collect and aggregate data to update the National Broadband Map and next week’s hearing provides us an opportunity to examine that data.  Doing this is an important step in ensuring investments are directed to the areas most in need, fostering job creation, and promoting economic growth.”

FTC Announces Third PrivacyCon

The FTC announced a call for presentations for its third PrivacyCon which will take place on February 28, 2018.  The 2018 PrivacyCon will expand collaboration among leading privacy and security researchers, academics, industry representatives, consumer advocates, and the government. As part of this initiative, the FTC is seeking general research that explores the privacy and security implications of emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and virtual reality. The 2018 event will focus on the economics of privacy including how to quantify the harms that result from companies’ failure to secure consumer information, and how to balance the costs and benefits of privacy-protective technologies and practices.

CRTC Updated Wireless Code - The Right to Unlock Mobile Devices

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today announced that as of December 1, 2017, all individual and small business wireless service customers will have the right to have their cellphones and other mobile devices unlocked free of charge upon request. In addition, all newly purchased devices must be provided unlocked from that day forward.

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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.