US House Republicans on Open Internet

Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) released the text of his opening remarks at today’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing on "Legislating to Safeguard the Free and Open Internet."  He said, in part:

“A permanent, legislative solution produced in good faith with our Democratic colleagues is the only way to protect consumers, innovation, and an open internet. I have repeatedly called for an end to this ridiculous, partisan back-and-forth. It’s time for bipartisan legislation that can actually become law. Yet, even after offering a menu of bipartisan legislative proposals at our hearing last month to preserve an open internet once and for all, unfortunately our Democratic colleagues have once again refused to work with us on a bipartisan solution.

Their partisan approach is not the answer. Title II is not necessary to preserve a free and open internet. We can permanently address blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization without the harmful, heavy-handed approach of Title II.”

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The Regulatory Mix Today: US House Republicans on Open Internet, FCC Reminds Inmate Providers of Upcoming Filing, FCC To Celebrate National Library Week

FCC Reminds Inmate Providers of Upcoming Filing

The FCC has reminded providers of inmate calling services (ICS) that the deadline for the submission of annual reports and certifications required by §64.6060 of the FCC’s rules is April 1, 2019.  The filings must be submitted using the FCC’s template and in a format that is machine-readable and manipulatable.  Confidential data may be filed pursuant to the Protective Order previously adopted.  The Public Notice also discusses the type of information for which confidential treatment may be requested.  Inteserra Briefing Service subscribers watch for our upcoming Briefing for more details.

FCC To Celebrate National Library Week

In celebration of National Library Week the FCC announced that, on April 9, 2019, the FCC Library will once again hold an open house in partnership with the FCC Technology Experience Center.  The event will showcase how local, state, federal, and academic libraries use electronic or digital content to provide 24/7 cyberspace access for a wide array of personal use devices.

The FCC Technology Experience Center, located within the FCC Library, is a communications technology repository where FCC staff and visitors have hands-on opportunities to preview communications content and devices.  In recognition of National Library Week, there will be library-specific experiences for accessing content, using devices, and reviewing application solutions.  In addition, there will be an electronic compilation of library websites dedicated to providing free access to local, state, and federal electronic content.

Manufacturers and vendors are invited to participate in this event. Of particular interest are:

• Smart phones
• e-Book readers
• Tablet
• Technology kiosks
• Library-specific application solutions

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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.