Broadcasters largely support a proposal to allow higher digital FM power levels, though some are cautious about possible interference, according to comments posted last week in docket 22-405 on a petition for rulemaking from NAB and Xperi (see 2210270061). The petition asked the agency to amend its rules on in-band/on-channel (IBOC) digital audio broadcasting to adopt an updated formula to determine digital FM power levels for stations. “Comprehensive interference protection for existing, incumbent analog stations must be adopted as part of any potential rule changes to digital FM power levels,” said broadcaster Howard Toole. Commenters also supported a 2019 request from NAB, Xperi and NPR to permanently authorize FM radio stations to utilize IBOC with asymmetric sideband power levels.
Despite numerous requests from states and other entities, NTIA declined to extend the timeline for challenging the FCC's new broadband map. The agency set Friday as the target for eligible entities to submit challenges for the next iteration of the map that will be used for broadband, equity, access, and deployment (BEAD) program funding allocations (see 2211100072). Unannounced updates to map data, including recently, complicated states’ challenge preparations, Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCCB) officials told us.
The National Weather Service isn’t well-equipped to keep up with the speed with which spectrum decisions are often made, said Michael Farrar, director of National Centers for Environmental Prediction, at an American Meteorological meeting, streamed from Denver Thursday. Farrar warned against the “drip, drip, drip of changes” as spectrum policy evolves.
Experts expressed skepticism Thursday about 6G and whether it will mean big changes beyond what can be done with 5G. The world should become more realistic about 6G, said Monica Paolini, consultant at Senza Fili, during a firm webinar.
Procedural concerns could complicate a case at the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on a New York law requiring affordable broadband. At oral argument Thursday in Manhattan, Judge Richard Sullivan grilled parties on a procedural maneuver they used to move the case to the 2nd Circuit from the trial court. Sullivan asked New York’s attorney tough questions on the state’s argument that its law isn’t preempted.
Congress needs to come together to establish national privacy standards, President Joe Biden and House Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., said separately Wednesday, renewing attention to an issue that saw bipartisan progress in 2022.
Tech Freedom, the Campaign Legal Center (CLC) and others disagree whether a Federal Election Commission proposal to broaden the definition of internet political advertising is an assault on free speech or a needed update to political ad regulation, according to comments posted this week in docket REG-2023-01. The new definition would potentially include payments to social media influencers -- such as cable and broadcast hosts -- and other indirect online promotion.
Wireless carriers pressed the FCC to make the 12.7 MHz band available for exclusive-use licenses, but others continue to see it as potentially the next big sharing band, in reply comments posted Wednesday in docket 22-352. Band incumbents continue to raise concerns about their use of the spectrum. Replies were due Tuesday and largely tracked initial comments (see 2212130047). The FCC approved a notice of inquiry in October (see 2210270046).
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wants improved ability to route calls and texts made to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to local call centers (see 2207150036), but mental health and emergency management stakeholders say more enhanced capabilities to know exactly where calls are being placed from could be complicated by a sizable policy split in the mental health community on privacy.
All filed comments support a late October petition by CTIA and the Competitive Carriers Association (see 2211010056) seeking changes to rules in the FCC’s new mandatory disaster response initiative (MDRI). Replies to oppositions were due at the FCC Tuesday, after the deadline was delayed in December (see 2212190040). FCC commissioners approved the rules in July (see 2207060070)