Backers and opponents of changes to the ITU's Ku- and Ka-band equivalent power flux density (EPFD) limit rules on non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites see a U.S.-driven proposal to amend them facing an uphill battle at the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference, which begins Monday. A WRC-27 proposed future agenda item (FAI) is the subject of notable advocacy and lobbying activity by both sides.
Broadband items drew some lawmakers’ attention Wednesday night and Thursday as Capitol Hill fully shifted into the week-plus Thanksgiving recess. A trio of non-Commerce Committee-affiliated senators weighed into the debate over expanding the USF contribution base, while leaders of the House and Senate Commerce committees sided along party lines on the FCC’s 3-2 Wednesday vote to adopt rules aimed at curbing digital discrimination (see 2311150040). President Joe Biden, meanwhile, is set to sign off before Friday night on a continuing resolution to fund the FCC, FTC, NTIA and other Commerce Department agencies at FY 2023 levels through Feb. 2 (HR-6363) after the Senate joined the House Wednesday night in passing the measure.
President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI (see 2310300056) didn’t include FTC recommendations the agency wasn’t already exploring, Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya said Wednesday.
The U.S. is handicapped headed into the World Radiocommunication Conference next week since it proposes only two bands for future studies, 3.1-3.3 and 13 GHz, while China has positions on all five bands proposed for study for international mobile telecommunications, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr and other speakers said during an Atlantic Council webinar Wednesday. The WRC starts Monday in Dubai. Among the bands targeted by China for IMT is 6 GHz, where the U.S. is promoting an agreement supporting unlicensed use of the band (see 2310270047).
LA QUINTA, Calif. -- The FCC seemed more open to collaboration with states in its final NPRM for its rulemaking to possibly reclassify broadband as a Title II service, a California Public Utilities Commission staffer said during a panel Tuesday at NARUC’s meeting here. NARUC Telecom Committee Chairman Tim Schram told us Monday that the state regulator association would probably have a resolution about the FCC net neutrality rulemaking at its February meeting in Washington (see 2311130063).
FCC commissioners approved an open-ended notice of inquiry Wednesday that asked how AI can fight robocalls, as well as potential risks from the technology. Commissioners also approved an order providing survivors of domestic violence with safe and affordable access to communications and an order and Further NPRM protecting consumers from SIM swapping and port-out fraud. None of the items was controversial and all were approved 5-0.
FCC commissioners voted 3-2 Wednesday to adopt rules aimed at curbing digital discrimination (see 2310250070). The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act-mandated order takes steps to facilitate equal access to broadband and investigate instances of discrimination. The commission also adopted a Further NPRM seeking comment on additional measures the FCC can take to advance equal access.
The FCC’s 2022 order further clamping down on gear from Chinese companies, preventing the sale of yet-to-be authorized equipment in the U.S. (see 2211230065), was years in the making and reflected long-term concerns of Congress and the FCC, speakers said Tuesday during an FCBA webinar.
LA QUINTA, Calif. -- Congress should continue “lifeblood connectivity” provided through the affordable connectivity program (ACP), Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Chairman Stephen DeFrank said in an interview at this week’s NARUC meeting. Expect broadband, universal service and pole attachments to be key issues for the state PUC in the year ahead, he said. Industry officials debated possible USF changes during a Tuesday panel.
DOJ’s effort to update U.S. antitrust policies with the FTC could have the opposite intended effect and undermine competition, party leaders on the House Antitrust Subcommittee said Tuesday.