Today's Regulatory Mix: FCC Forum on 5G Virtualized Radio Access Networks, FTC Releases 2019 Privacy and Data Security Update, USDA Announces Montana Broadband Grant
FCC Forum on 5G Virtualized Radio Access Networks
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced that the FCC will hold a Forum on 5G Virtualized Radio Access Networks on Thursday, March 26, 2020. At the forum, experts who are at the forefront of the development and deployment of interoperable, standards-based, virtualized radio access networks will discuss this paradigm-shifting approach to 5G network deployment. Pai said: “The FCC has taken aggressive action to promote American leadership in 5G—a major priority for the agency and the Administration generally. One way to advance this priority is through the development and deployment of more secure, cost-effective 5G network components. Virtualized radio access networks could help us do that, as I’ve heard here in the United States and discussed with stakeholders abroad,” said Chairman Pai. “We want the United States to lead the way with this innovative approach to mobile network deployment, and I look forward to hosting experts in the field for a productive discussion about the current state of vRAN related technologies and the path ahead.”
FTC Releases 2019 Privacy and Data Security Update
The FTC announced the release of its annual privacy and security update for 2019. The release highlights a “record year” for enforcement actions aimed at protecting consumer privacy and data security.
The FTC touted that it levied a $5 billion penalty—"the largest consumer privacy penalty ever”—against Facebook for violating its 2012 FTC privacy order and imposed new restrictions on the social network’s business operations. The FTC also obtained a “record $170 million penalty” against YouTube and Google for alleged violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). In its first case involving a stalking app, the FTC alleged that Retina-X enabled its apps to be used for illegitimate purposes and in violation of COPPA.
On the data security front, the FTC—along with 50 states and territories and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau—announced a global settlement totaling as much as $700 million with Equifax related to a 2017 data breach that affected approximately 147 million consumers.
The FTC also continued its “strong enforcement” of the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield framework by bringing 13 cases in 2019 against companies that allegedly made false promises related to the Privacy Shield.
In addition to its law enforcement work, the FTC held four privacy-related events in 2019, including an examination of consumer privacy as part of the Commission’s Hearings on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century; the FTC’s fourth annual PrivacyCon event highlighting cutting-edge privacy research; a workshop examining the COPPA Rule; and a workshop examining consumer report accuracy.
USDA Announces Montana Broadband Grant
The USDA announced a $3.3 million investment in a high-speed broadband infrastructure project that will create or improve rural e-Connectivity for 142 homes, businesses, farms and ranches in Beaverhead County, Montana. Specifically, Southern Montana Telephone Company will use a $3.3 million ReConnect Program grant to construct a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in Beaverhead County. The 1,688-square-mile service area includes 109 households, 26 farms and ranches, seven businesses and the Grant Fire Station. Improved broadband access in Beaverhead County will make a significant impact on agricultural and small businesses. Farmers and ranchers will be able to monitor their operations in real time and use high-speed internet to buy, sell or trade livestock.
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The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s 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 an Inteserra Briefing.
