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.

FCC

The FCC amended its Emergency Alert System (EAS) Rules to add three new event codes that can be used to warn the public about storm surges and extreme winds that may accompany hurricanes and other severe weather events.  The new codes are “Extreme Wind Warning,” “Storm Surge Watch,” and “Storm Surge Warning.”  The updated rules require EAS equipment manufacturers to integrate the codes into new equipment and will also enable EAS participants to update their existing equipment in advance of next year’s (2017) Atlantic hurricane season.

US Congress

Hearing: “Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission”

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler provided testimony for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing titled “Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission” that was held on July 12, 2016. In his opening statement, Wheeler said, “the fact that this is an election year doesn’t stop the march of technological change.” He added, “We must continue to promote core values like universal access, public safety, consumer protection, and competition at the same bold pace we have consistently maintained.” The Chairman’s testimony illustrated recent developments and key priorities of the FCC for the Subcommittee’s hearing, including: Open Internet Decision, Incentive Auction, 5G- Spectrum Frontiers, Business Data Service, Lifeline Modernization, Set-Top Boxes, and Privacy.

Chairman Wheeler stated in his conclusion, “The Commission remains focused on harnessing the power of communications technology to grow our economy and enhance U.S. leadership while preserving timeless values like universal service.  While there are disagreements about many of the issues I’ve outlined, we can all agree on the importance of the Commission’s core functions that are critical to U.S. economy, businesses, and consumers.  I look forward to working with members of this Subcommittee on these and other matters.”

See the published testimony here.

New York

The New York Public Service Commission is considering a petition filed by CTIA - The Wireless Association, requesting a determination that the PSC's existing pole attachment rules apply to wireless communications providers.  Comments are due by August 1, 2016, and reply comments are due by August 15, 2016.  TMI Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 7/8/16.

Save the date! TMI Fall 2016 Telecom Regulatory Seminar & Workshop October 18 & 19 in Maitland, FL.