Senate Communications Subcommittee members from both parties targeted FCC and NTIA implementation of connectivity programs created in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and COVID-19 aid measures Tuesday, as expected (see 2212120064), including concerns about deficient data the commission used to develop its new broadband maps. Lawmakers also touched on other telecom policymaking matters they hope Capitol Hill can address during the lame-duck session or in the next Congress. Senate Commerce Committee leaders saw a potential one-week extension of their talks on one lame-duck priority, a compromise spectrum legislative package (see 2212070068), appear via a proposed continuing resolution to fund the federal government past Friday.
Senate Republicans welcomed bipartisan legislation Tuesday that would ban TikTok from operating in the U.S. Democrats were less enthusiastic, though Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., said he’s willing to explore the idea.
The Nebraska Public Service Commission is preparing for the NTIA broadband, equity, access and deployment (BEAD) program, after receiving planning funds, Chair Dan Watermeier (R) told state senators Tuesday. The Nebraska Senate Transportation and Telecommunications Committee heard updates on state broadband and 911 upgrade efforts at a livestreamed hearing. Earlier that day, PSC commissioners opened a docket to administer Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF) broadband support through the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program (NBBP).
Former FCC Chief Technology Officer Monisha Ghosh warned Tuesday hat high-band spectrum isn’t living up to the hype. One of the biggest 6G challenges is “where does the new spectrum come from,” she said during the Fierce Wireless 6G Evolution Summit: “Every G has required new spectrum because the G’s are not backward compatible.”
Industry urged the FCC to facilitate the transition to IP networks for caller ID authentication. Many said there's no need to establish rules allowing for caller ID authentication on non-IP networks and cited TDM tandem switches as one of the main obstacles to fully implementing Stir/Shaken technology. Comments were posted Tuesday in docket 17-97 (see 2210270046).
Industry companies and groups disagreed sharply on the best way for the FCC to open the 12.7 GHz band for other users, and whether it should be offered for exclusive-use licenses or be the next big sharing band. Band incumbents urged caution. Comments were due Monday and posted Tuesday in docket 22-352. The FCC approved a notice of inquiry in October on what others call the 13 GHz band (see 2210270046).
A Tuesday Senate Communications Subcommittee hearing on implementation of broadband funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other recent measures is likely to include a heavy focus on GOP leaders’ concerns about federal agencies’ oversight of those disbursals, lawmakers and other officials told us. There also may be discussion about other pressing issues, including recent pushes to include additional money for the FCC’s Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program in a FY 2023 appropriations omnibus package (see 2212070068) and to enact legislation that ensures broadband funding from IIJA and the American Rescue Plan Act doesn’t count as taxable income, observers said.
Consumer groups want the FCC to strengthen protections against unwanted robotexts, they said in reply comments posted Monday in docket 21-402. State attorneys general, filing as a group, also urged the FCC to clamp down on robotexts. In initial comments, most said the FCC shouldn’t impose new rules on text messaging similar to those in place for robocalls (see 2211140030).
Carriers raised concerns in response to an FCC Further NPRM proposing to extend USF support to eligible mobile and fixed carriers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, approved by commissioners 4-0 in October (see 2210270046). The proposals fall short of meeting ongoing needs, commenters told the agency, posted Monday in docket 18-143.
The U.S. is right to start thinking now about 6G, which will likely be commercialized starting in 2030, said Dean Brenner, a former top Qualcomm executive who chairs the FCC’s Technological Advisory Council, during the Fierce Wireless 6G Evolution Summit Monday. Brenner noted TAC is the first formal U.S. government effort to get a handle on 6G.