Today:  US Congress Subcommittee Schedules Hearing for "Oversight of FirstNet:  State Perspectives," FCC Extends California Lifeline Eligibility Waiver, FCC Emergency E-rate Order   

US Congress Schedules Hearing for "Oversight of FirstNet:  State Perspectives"

The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology announced a hearing set for November 1, 2017, entitled, “Oversight of FirstNet: State Perspectives.”  During the hearing, the Subcommittee will examine the latest developments in the deployment of FirstNet.  With the December 28, 2017, deadline for governors coming up, members will focus on the status of states opting in or out of the FirstNet Network.

“Nationwide interoperability for our first responders has been a long time coming, and it’s critical for their sake and the public’s that we get this right.  As next week’s hearing demonstrates, we are committed to monitoring FirstNet’s progress to ensure it brings modern communications capabilities to the brave men and women who keep us safe.  It’s vital that we deliver on a system that our firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and all those on the frontlines of public safety can rely on,” said chair Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).  The Majority Memorandum, witness list, witness testimony, etc will be available here as they are posted.

FCC Extends California Lifeline Eligibility Waiver

The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) granted in part the California PUC’s motion for an extension of the Bureau’s previously granted temporary waiver.  That waiver gave California until October 31, 2017, to implement the federal streamlined eligibility programs of the FCC’s rules.  In support of its original waiver request, California stated that it needed additional time to modify the California Lifeline Administrator’s processes and procedures, including changes to the mail processes, application forms, and enrollment systems.  The PUC filed the motion to extend the waiver date “due to unforeseen circumstances and staffing constraints.”  The Bureau’s Order extends the waiver through the earlier of April 30, 2018, or the date on which California has aligned its eligibility criteria with the FCC’s Lifeline eligibility rules and updated its eligibility processes accordingly.

FCC Emergency E-rate Order

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai issued the following statement on his proposal to help schools and libraries affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria restore connectivity through the FCC’s E-rate program:  “Yesterday, I shared with my colleagues an emergency order that would help schools and libraries recover from the devastation of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.  This order would provide targeted financial support to these institutions through the FCC’s E-rate program and give them maximum flexibility as they try to restore connectivity.  It would also make available additional funds to schools that are serving a substantial number of students displaced by this season’s hurricanes.  Once my fellow commissioners have had the opportunity to review this proposed order, I hope they will be able to quickly vote to support this relief.”

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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.