Today's Regulatory Mix: USDA Rural Broadband Grants in Tennessee, DOD Announces $600 Million for 5G Experimentation and Testing at Five Installations, Virginia Allocates $30 Million in CARES Act Funding to Fast-Track Broadband Projects
DOD Announces $600 Million for 5G Experimentation and Testing at Five Installations
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced $600 million in awards for 5G experimentation and testing at five U.S. military test sites, representing the largest full-scale 5G tests for dual-use applications in the world.
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Topics:
broadband,
Tennessee Broadband,
USDA Broadband Grants,
DOD 5G Experimentation and Testing,
Virginia CARES Act Funding
Today's Regulatory Mix: Senator Introduces National Broadband Plan Bill, FTC Seeks Comment on Health Data Breach Rule, Representatives Introduce Universal Broadband Act
Senator Introduces National Broadband Plan Bill
Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, announced the National Broadband Plan for the Future Act, legislation that instructs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to update the National Broadband Plan, as well as study how the coronavirus pandemic has changed the way Americans live, learn, and work online.
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Topics:
FCC,
US House of Representatives,
broadband,
FTC,
US Senate,
broadband internet,
COVID-19,
Senator Edward J. Markey,
health data,
comments
Today's Regulatory Mix: FCC Chairman Extends Keep Americans Connected Pledge, Federal House Leaders Announce Affordable Broadband Internet Plan, FCC Drops Citation Requirement for Robocallers
FCC Chairman Extends Keep Americans Connected Pledge
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FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced the extension of his Keep Americans Connected Pledge until June 30, 2020.
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Topics:
FCC,
US Congress,
rural broadband,
US House of Representatives,
broadband,
keep america connected
FCC Advisory on Lifeline Usage Rule
The FCC’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued an Advisory alerting Lifeline carriers, beneficiaries, and the public about carrier failures to comply with the Lifeline program usage rule. The rule applies when an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) offers Lifeline service that does not require it to assess and collect a monthly fee from its subscribers.
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Topics:
broadband,
ETCs,
robocalling,
Eligible Telecommunications Carriers,
Lifeline Usage Rule,
Office of Inspector General,
Energy and Commerce Committee,
9-1-1 System,
OIG,
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,
Ways and Means Committee
FCC Proposed Fines Against Three WISPs for Interference
The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau announced proposed fines related to devices that apparently caused interference to the Federal Aviation Administration’s terminal doppler weather radar station in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Enforcement Bureau proposed three separate $25,000 fines against wireless Internet service providers Boom Solutions, Integra Wireless, and WinPR.
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Topics:
rural broadband,
broadband,
FCC Enforcement Bureau,
Wireless Internet Service Provider,
WISP,
Tribal lands
Florida PSC Releases Report on Status of Competition
The Florida PSC released a report showing that more Florida consumers are choosing cutting edge communications technologies while landline phones continue to disappear.
“Many Florida consumers now live in wireless only homes and use wireless and broadband services,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “As the pace for technological innovation quickens, companies are investing in advanced technologies that best serve the diverse needs of today’s consumers, while also boosting Florida’s economic growth.”
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Topics:
VoIP,
broadband,
NUSF,
Nebraska Wireless Registry Rules,
Florida Report on the Status of Competition,
FCC Cable Franchising Rules
FCC Authorizes Connect America Fund Phase II Auction Support for 856 Winning Bids
The FCC announced that it has authorized $166.8 million in funding to expand broadband over the next decade to unserved rural homes and businesses in 22 states, representing the second wave of support from last year’s successful Connect America Fund (CAF) Phase II auction. Providers will begin receiving funding this month.
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Topics:
rural broadband,
broadband,
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai,
CAF Phase II Auction Support
US Senate Oversight Hearing
Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced the committee will convene a hearing titled, “Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission,” at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2019. As part of the Committee’s oversight responsibilities, this hearing will examine policy issues before the Federal Communications Commission and review its ongoing activities and proceedings. All five FCC Commissioners are expected to testify.
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Topics:
broadband,
FTC,
high-cost support,
ISPs,
internet service providers,
U.S. Senate Oversight of the FCC,
Colorado Net Neutrality
Idaho Governor Launches Broadband Infrastructure Improvement Effort
In a press release the Governor announced that he signed an executive order today, establishing the Idaho Broadband Task Force to improve connectivity and broadband infrastructure across Idaho. “In a data-driven society, connectivity is imperative for a vital economy,” Governor Little said. “Improved broadband infrastructure ensures both urban and rural Idaho will be connected and well-positioned to attract business and enhance our citizens’ quality of life.” Governor Little directed the task force to come up with recommendations by November on ways the state can assist in furthering Idaho’s connectivity and speeds. Idaho Department of Commerce Director Tom Kealey will chair the task force. The group will focus its efforts on mapping Idaho’s existing services and identifying gaps in Idaho’s broadband infrastructure.
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Topics:
broadband,
FTC Hearing on Competition and Consumer Protection,
689 Area Code
Arkansas State Broadband Plan Released
The Governor of Arkansas released a the Arkansas State Broadband Plan, which sets a goal to deploy high-speed broadband to all Arkansas communities with more than 500 residents by 2022. The high-speed broadband would have a rate of 25 megabits per second for download and 3 megabits per second for upload.
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Topics:
rural broadband,
broadband,
Arkansas State Broadband Plan,
Data Collection for Broadband
