The FCC approved 4-0 NPRMs on expediting the transition to next-generation 911 and giving consumers more choice on the robocalls and robotexts they’ll receive (see 2305180069). Both were approved with limited comments from commissioners.

FCC commissioners approved an NPRM 4-0 Thursday seeking comment on potential sharing in the 42 GHz band. Industry officials disagree how much interest there will be in using the band on a shared basis (see 2305300055). But all commissioners welcomed the NPRM.

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Pennsylvania House committees passed bills on 911 and 988 funding Wednesday, though some lawmakers voiced concerns about the state's means of funding of the emergency call services.

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) adopted emergency regulations to extend the Alaska USF (AUSF) until Oct. 29. At a partially virtual meeting Wednesday, commissioners voted 4-0 for draft rules that largely track with a Department of Law (DOL) proposal last month, but with two changes that respond to industry concerns. Also, commissioners unanimously agreed to extend the statutory deadline for docket R-21-001 by 90 days until Sept. 27. This will give the RCA time to adopt a three-year extension through regular procedure. AUSF stakeholders applauded the commission's actions.

The attorneys general from 28 states urged the FCC to do anything that could help block illegal and unwanted robotexts to consumers, in reply comments on a March Further NPRM (see 2303160061). The AGs conceded that rules for robocalls may not be an exact match for robotexts. Carriers continue to urge caution in the approach taken by the commission, noting work already underway (see 2305090047).

Senate Commerce Committee leaders are continuing to push for a June confirmation hearing on FCC nominee Anna Gomez and renominated Commissioners Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks (see 2306010075) but haven't settled on a date, lawmakers and lobbyists told us. Ex-nominee Gigi Sohn, meanwhile, directed her ire during a Tuesday Media and Democracy Project event at all levels of news media for not effectively covering her year-plus stalled confirmation process, saying she hopes Gomez and other future FCC candidates don't get the same treatment. Sohn asked President Joe Biden to withdraw her from consideration in March amid continued resistance from a handful of Democrats and uniform GOP opposition (see 2303070082).

Meta exposed its artificial intelligence technology to risks of spam, fraud, malware and privacy abuse by allowing unrestrained release of its Large Language Model Meta AI (LLaMA) program, wrote Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Tuesday.

The telecom industry is making progress toward “net zero” carbon emissions, but getting there will be a struggle as wireless networks expand and data use increases, said Mike Murphy, Ericsson North America chief technology officer, during an Ericsson webinar Tuesday. ABI Research recently selected Ericsson as the overall “Most Sustainable Telco Vendor.”

The House Commerce Committee’s appetite for advancing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (HR-3413/S-1669) proposal to mandate automakers include AM radio technology in future vehicles remains in doubt after multiple Communications Subcommittee members from both parties voiced skepticism during a Tuesday hearing, despite near-unanimous concern about potential public safety implications. House Communications ranking member Doris Matsui, D-Calif., told us she’s among those questioning the need for legislation in the short term to prevent AM radio’s removal from future vehicles. Chairman Bob Latta, R-Ohio, said in an interview he remains undecided on HR-3413/S-1669 (see 2305260034) after the hearing.