Groups representing financial institutions called on the FCC to impose tougher Stir/Shaken rules in comments filed last week (docket 17-97) in response to a Wireline Bureau request (see 2508280040). Telecom industry groups and companies also sought tweaks to how illegal robocalls are addressed, through Stir/Shaken and beyond.
The FCC on Thursday approved 3-0 an NPRM, with tweaks, that moves the agency closer to an auction of upper C-band spectrum, in what would be the first major sale since the 3.45 GHz auction, which ended in 2022. Among the changes were questions on a window to make spectrum available to tribes (see 2511170055) and on access to unused or unassigned spectrum and how to incentivize buildout.
The FCC continues to hear both opposition to and support for proposals in its notice of inquiry about changes to wireline infrastructure rules. Comments on the NOI, which commissioners approved 3-0 in September (see 2509300063), were posted Wednesday in docket 25-253. State and local government groups largely opposed changes that could take power away from their members (see 2511180033).
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez on Wednesday slammed the agency's move to reverse its January declaratory ruling and NPRM addressing the Salt Typhoon cyberattacks. The new FCC item, set for a vote at Thursday's meeting, would withdraw the NPRM and find that the FCC erred in affirming the legal responsibility of carriers to secure their networks under the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA).
USTelecom and other commenters warned the FCC against abruptly detariffing legacy business data services (BDS), as is proposed in an NPRM that commissioners approved ahead of their August meeting (see 2508050056). Unlike most deregulatory proposals from the FCC, industry groups mostly aren’t on board with the BDS changes. Comments were posted Tuesday and Wednesday in docket 21-17.
New research by the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) found that by the end of October, a total of 647 operators in 191 countries were investing in 5G, GSA analyst Joe Gardiner said Tuesday during the group's webinar. Some have launched, while others have purchased spectrum for 5G or otherwise are planning to offer the service, he said. GSA also found that 358 operators in 140 countries have launched or soft launched mobile 5G services, and 175 providers in 78 countries have launched fixed wireless access service that's compliant with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project.
Major trade associations representing state and local governments called on the FCC to keep their interests in mind as the agency follows up on a notice of inquiry about changes to wireline infrastructure rules. Local governments also raised concerns. Comments on the notice, which commissioners approved 3-0 in September (see 2509300063), were due this week in docket 25-253.
The U.S. Supreme Court appears more likely than not to grant cert to Verizon in its challenge of a September decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit upholding a $46.9 million fine against the carrier for violating FCC data rules (see 2509100019), experts said. They also agreed that SCOTUS is often difficult to predict. In August, the D.C. Circuit upheld a similar fine against T-Mobile (see 2508150044), while the 5th Circuit earlier rejected a fine imposed on AT&T (see 2504180001).
FCC commissioners are expected to approve an NPRM Thursday to seek comment on rules for an upper C-band auction, most likely with a few tweaks from the draft notice that Chairman Brendan Carr circulated (see 2510290047), industry officials said Monday. The FCC has heard from various parties asking for questions to be added.
Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu met with an aide to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr last week about his industry’s work with wireless carriers on protecting radio altimeters in the upper C band. Sununu asked the agency to allow more time for comments than is proposed in a draft NPRM, set for a vote Thursday.