Trade groups want the FCC to continue a flexible approach to accessibility rules, but consumer groups want Congress to expand the agency’s authority to keep up with shifts in technology, said comments filed by Monday’s deadline in docket 10-213 responding to the FCC’s call for feedback on accessibility under the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (see 2202170052). The CVAA requires the FCC to create a biennial report to Congress on progress in technology access.
Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., cast renewed doubt Tuesday on the chances the chamber will do a discharge vote this week on FCC nominee Gigi Sohn or take further action on FTC nominee Alvaro Bedoya, which would delay further consideration of the two candidates before the Senate gavels out for a two-week recess set to last until April 25. The Senate appeared to be prioritizing confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, with an eye to give her final approval Thursday or Friday.
NTIA and other entities implementing connectivity language from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act should continue to prioritize the measure’s $65 billion in broadband funding for unserved areas even if ongoing supply chain issues make it more attractive for governments to repurpose that money for areas that would be easier or more economical to build out, said Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., during a Monday American Enterprise Institute event. Fischer and other officials emphasized the importance of strong oversight of the IIJA broadband programs and the need for close coordination among responsible federal agencies.
Shareholders of communications, media and tech companies will decide this spring on more public lobbying disclosures, changes to their executive compensation policies and especially new environmental and societal policies, according to scheduled proxy votes in coming weeks. In almost all cases, the companies' boards recommend "no" votes on the shareholder-brought proposals. Corporate governance experts told us advocates often aren't banking on approval in a given year but are trying to build momentum year after year until enough general support is generated.
It’s not the FTC’s job to remedy illegal transactions if parties propose “facially anticompetitive deals,” Chair Lina Khan said Monday during an enforcers’ summit with DOJ’s Antitrust Division. Some transactions are illegal on the face, and enforcers need the tools and confidence to block, she said. The FTC’s Republican commissioners didn’t appear at the summit.
The FCC could face a tough challenge in looking at possible standards for receivers, as part of a notice inquiry teed up for a commissioner vote April 21 (see 2203310065). Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, working with Commissioner Nathan Simington, circulated a draft NOI last week. Receiver problems figured prominently in recent spectrum fights, most notably the C band, but industry officials said there’s no easy approach for the FCC. In the C band, the FAA and airline industry fought to protect altimeters operating in spectrum more than 200 MHz away.
The door is open for Congress to name conferees to negotiate its China package, after both chambers cleared procedural hurdles last week (see 2203230065). Senators expressed optimism Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., would achieve his goal of naming conferees to a formal negotiation before the end of the work period Friday. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., criticized the lack of return on provisions that would send billions to Intel, the largest American semiconductor manufacturer.
Carriers have advantages against a growing list of other providers as the edge becomes more important in a 5G world, speakers said at the Telecom TV Edgenomics Summit Friday. Speakers said the reality of what 5G will offer is only coming into view.
Both Inteslat and SES are facing satellite-related delays in their C-band accelerated relocation transitions, though both maintain they remain on track to meet the Dec. 5, 2023, transition deadline.
Some states are opting for general fund appropriations, not a dedicated fee, to support 988 suicide prevention hotline services. Mental health advocates say that states creating a funding stream is to be applauded, but 988 services need multiple funding sources that include such a fee. CTIA has repeatedly pushed that message at statehouses.