Today: DC Wi-Fi Task Force Act, FCC Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee, FCC Cable Subscriber Notice Requirement, FCC's Pai on The Gigabit Opportunity Act
DC Wi-Fi Task Force Act of 2017
The Council of the District of Columbia scheduled a public hearing on two pieces of legislation, the “Wi-Fi Task Force Act of 2017” and the “Digital Literacy Council Establishment Act of 2017”. The public hearing will be on July 10, 2017. The Wi-Fi Task Force Act of 2017 establishes a wireless network task force to provide policy recommendations on how the District can efficiently provide free wireless internet access throughout the District and construct and operate a municipal wireless network. The Digital Literacy Council Establishment Act of 2017 establishes a Digital Literacy Council to advise the Mayor and Council on how to improve the digital literacy of the residents of the District.
FCC Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee Meeting
The FCC announced that the second meeting of the Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee (BDAC) will be held on July 20, 2017. At the meeting, the BDAC Working Groups will report on their progress in developing recommendations for the BDAC’s consideration. The BDAC also will continue its discussions on how to accelerate the deployment of broadband by reducing and/or removing regulatory barriers to infrastructure investment. The meeting is open to the public and will also be available for live-streaming on the FCC’s website at www.fcc.gov/live.
FCC Cable Subscriber Notice Requirement
The FCC has issued an order clarifying that that cable operators may comply with the written subscriber-notification requirement in section 76.1602(b) of the FCC’s rules by sending the information electronically (via email) so long as the cable operator (1) sends the information to a verified e-mail address and (2) provides a mechanism for customers to opt out of email delivery and continue to receive paper notices. Each of the following will be considered a verified e-mail address for purposes of the rule: (1) an e-mail address that the customer has provided to the cable operator for purposes of receiving communication, (2) an e-mail address that the customer regularly uses to communicate with the cable operator, or (3) an e-mail address that has been confirmed by the customer as an appropriate vehicle for the delivery of notices. The Ruling will be effective when the FCC announces that the Office of Management and Budget has approved the information collection requirements contained in the Order. Section 76.1602(b) requires that cable operators provide certain written information at the time of installation of service, at least annually to all subscribers, and at any time upon request.
FCC's Pai On The Gigabit Opportunity Act
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai issued the following statement on the Gigabit Opportunity (GO) Act. “Closing the digital divide is a top national priority. Gigabit Opportunity Zones would go a long way toward meeting that priority. By streamlining regulations to encourage broadband deployment and establishing targeted tax incentives for entrepreneurs to build those networks, we can empower millions of Americans, rural and urban alike. This is a common sense idea, and I’m excited to see it gaining bipartisan support. “I am grateful to Senator Coons for supporting this effort. Along with Senator Capito and Representatives Collins and Smith, he is providing the leadership we need to help deliver digital opportunity. Disadvantaged communities will benefit from high-speed broadband in so many ways, like more jobs, better health care, stronger education, and more productive agriculture. And they’ll have a greater sense of hope about the future.”
_______________________________________________________________
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.
