The emerging world of the metaverse and digital twinning (see 2210190017) will require more powerful networks, though how much more powerful is an open question, said Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark at the Nokia and New York University Brooklyn 6G Summit Tuesday. The metaverse has been defined as the ability to render 3D virtual worlds in real time, with an unlimited number of users able to experience them at the same time, he said.
A draft NPRM on proposals to increase cybersecurity requirements for wireless emergency alert and emergency alert system participants is expected to be unanimously approved at Thursday’s FCC commissioners' meeting, with few changes from the draft version, industry and FCC officials told us. The item seeks comment on proposals including cyberattack reporting rules and requirements that participants certify cybersecurity plans. No changes have been made so far, though a few tweaks are possible before the vote, officials said. Experts said they expect the agency to take likely costs of any new rules into consideration.
The FCC's processing round regime for non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) systems "is kind of messed up" because it was built for a world of few applicants and even fewer systems, so it needs changes, SpaceX Senior Director-Satellite Policy David Goldman said Tuesday at New America’s Open Technology Institute event on satellite spectrum sharing. However, the commission's current proceeding shows there's little agreement among space interests, he said.
Industry groups welcomed a draft FCC notice of inquiry on the status of caller ID authentication technology for non-IP networks and providers’ progress in transitioning non-IP networks to IP technology (see 2210060062). Commissioners will consider the item Thursday. NTCA wanted additional language that would seek comment on whether the adoption of new rules could further the transition to IP and the feasibility of adopting non-IP authentication standards.
New York state can speed broadband deployment by requiring pole owners to share pole replacement costs with attachers, cable companies said in comments last week at the New York Public Service Commission. Pole owners disagreed, suggesting using the influx of state and federal broadband funding to pay for replacements. Some other attachers urged the PSC to act quickly on less controversial issues in docket 22-M-0101, especially with the FCC considering similar issues in its docket 17-84.
Industry asked the FCC to place more emphasis on proper attestation levels when calls are authenticated, in reply comments posted Monday in docket 17-97 (see 2210040061). The FCC sought comments on caller ID authentication obligations under the Traced Act and the efficacy of Stir/Shaken for its first triennial assessment. Some companies said Stir/Shaken should be implemented on all portions of a provider's network, and sought additional oversight of carriers transmitting unsigned calls.
A draft notice of inquiry exploring the future of 13 GHz spectrum is expected to be approved Thursday largely as circulated by Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel (see 2210060062). Only CTIA filed comments in 22-352, the docket created for the proceeding. FCC officials said outreach to the commission and discussion of the item among the offices have been minimal, which they said is typical for an NOI.
Verizon took a hit on Wall Street Friday after announcing the loss of 189,000 wireless consumer postpaid phone customers Q3, partially as a result of raising prices. Consumer wireless postpaid churn was 1.1%. Verizon’s share price was down as much as 6% and closed down 4.46% at $35.35. Chief Financial Officer Matt Ellis warned that pricing pressure would continue into Q4.
State telecom regulation is needed to reach rural areas, two Democrats running for utility commissions in red states said in interviews ahead of Nov. 8 elections. Facing one such challenge, South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Chair Chris Nelson (R) told us his state has made “tremendous progress” rolling out broadband in recent years. Alabama, New Mexico and some Colorado voters will have ballot questions on broadband next month.
The Wireless ISP Association asked the FCC to expand the new enhanced competition incentive program (ECIP) to include WISPs and other providers not classified as common carriers, in comments posted through Friday in docket 19-38. Commissioners approved the program in July (see 2207140055), and the rules formally took effect Thursday, but commissioners also asked follow-up questions in a Further NPRM. The order was approved in response to provisions in the Mobile Now Act, which became law in 2018 (see 2203310036).