Terrier Media is restructuring its deal to buy most radio and TV stations from Cox Media and Northwestern's TV outlets to be in compliance with the 3rd U.S. Court of Appeals Prometheus ruling, said Terrier President David Sambur in an amendment (see 1910250006). “Applicants have agreed to make certain targeted changes to the Northwest Transaction and the Cox Transactions to address any concerns regarding compliance with the Commission’s current and possible future media ownership rules,” the amendment said. It posted this week in the FCC consolidated database system.
Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Ron Johnson, R-Wis., believes President Donald Trump's administration and the FCC are finally unified on 5G strategy and related spectrum issues. That's despite misgivings ranking member Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Democratic FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel voiced during a Thursday committee hearing. The FCC released a draft proposal Tuesday to bar USF funding for the purchase of telecom equipment from companies “posing a national security threat to the integrity of communications networks or the communications supply chain.” The order is seen as targeted at Chinese equipment manufacturers Huawei and ZTE (see 1910300036).
The 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference almost immediately got down to business this week, with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai there. But officials at the WRC, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, said a letter that President Donald Trump sent Monday (see 1910280054) likely raised question. This is considered potentially the most important WRC because of its focus on 5G and harmonizing bands.
Examiners would benefit from more clarity on testing patent eligibility, Patent and Trademark Office Commissioner of Patents Drew Hirshfeld testified Wednesday (see 1909110066). He was responding to a suggestion from Senate Intellectual Property Subcommittee ranking member Chris Coons, D-Del. He and Chairman Thom Tillis, R-N.C., are working on legislation for revising Patent Act sections 101 and 112 (see 1906050076).
Amazon's proposed Kuiper satellite mega constellation (see 1904040034) is facing pushback from satellite operators that took part in the 2017 non-geostationary orbit processing round, with arguments that it be considered part of a new non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) processing round. The FCC is considered unlikely to act quickly on Kuiper's application. Satellite experts told us other U.S. mega constellation applications, such as by tech companies, aren't likely in the wings.
The rechartered FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment will focus on improving access of minority and female would-be broadcast owners to capital, addressing digital redlining, and increasing tech-sector diversity, said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai in a recorded video at ACDDE's first meeting in its latest incarnation. Anyone spending time at a tech conference can see “we're not where we need to be in terms of diversity and inclusion in the tech sector,” said Commissioner Brendan Carr.
The FCC got pushback against CTIA and Wireless Infrastructure Association proposals seeking more changes to wireless infrastructure rules designed to accelerate siting of towers and other gear. Big and small cities and their lobbying groups weighed in, along with industry allies of what CTIA and WIA seek. Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee state and local government members at September's BDAC meeting asked for an ad hoc committee on collocation issues (see 1909190024). But Chairman Ajit Pai took no action. Filings were posted mostly Wednesday in docket 19-250.
California county officials said telecom carriers should improve backup systems, after public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) caused outages: Wireless carriers should install backup generators that last days rather than rely on batteries lasting hours. Some had wireline outages although their homes had power. The California Public Utilities Commission has concerns.
The FCC sent Ligado's licensing order to NTIA for the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee to consider. Industry officials said questions remain, but that action moves the satellite company a step closer to launching a terrestrial network and putting more spectrum in play for 5G. The FCC is giving 15 days notice to NTIA it's planning to act, and permission isn't needed from NTIA, former government officials said.
The FCC got pushback on a proposal to allow license sizes larger than counties in the priority access licenses that will be sold to provide more protected use of the 3.5 GHz citizens broadband radio service band. Even larger carriers consider the plan flawed and sought changes. With a C-band auction looming, questions emerged on how likely carriers are to pursue the PALs during next June’s auction (see 1910170045). Many filings talked about the impact on rural areas and bidders.