The FCC apparently missed a deadline to notify NTIA 18 months before the start of the 3.5 GHz auction that an auction would be scheduled. Commissioners approved a public notice on bidding procedures for the citizens broadband radio service auction, to start June 25, at their meeting Thursday. But the FCC denied the band is even subject to Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act (CSEA) requirements. Earlier this year, the Commerce Department and FCC engaged in a battle over 24 GHz band. (see 1908090070).
No matter how sophisticated technology for combating deep fakes and disinformation is, it’s useless without buy-in from large tech platforms, which profit from the rise of sensational content, the House Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee heard Thursday. The worry is companies like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are more focused on growth than oversight and user support functions, said Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va. Platforms disclaim responsibility for user content and have a disincentive to purge fake and bot accounts, she said. Wexton cited a July 2018 report on how Twitter’s stock dropped 8.5 percent after it purged 70 million suspicious accounts over two months. Twitter shares increased about 20 percent between January and December 2018.
In choosing NEXTGEN TV for the go-to-market messaging behind ATSC 3.0 consumer products to be introduced in 2020 (see 1909190066), CTA "ended up with a name and a logo I think we are very happy with and have reviewed with partners,” Brian Markwalter, senior vice president-research and standards, told us. “The collective industry is excited.”
New rules to help prevent access stimulation by telecom providers that take advantage of inefficiencies in existing intercarrier compensation rules got unanimous approval at the Thursday commissioners' meeting. Under the updates, carriers don't need a revenue-sharing arrangement driving call volume to them in order to meet the definition (see 1909190035).
FCC members approved 5-0 a public notice Thursday seeking comment on an auction of priority access licenses (PALs), the licensed part of the 3.5 GHz citizens broadband radio service band. As expected, Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Geoffrey Starks raised concerns (see 1909230056) but voted to approve after each got changes to the notice. The auction is to start June 25.
House Communications Subcommittee leaders are expected to broadly frame a Friday legislative hearing on supply chain security and spectrum bills as a bid to secure the U.S. role in leading 5G development. The bids come from two distinct angles -- ensuring the telecom infrastructure is protected from national security threats of Chinese equipment manufacturers and other potential bad actors, and ensuring continuity in federal management of spectrum. Lawmakers will examine seven measures during the hearing, which is set for 9:30 a.m. in 2123 Rayburn.
FCC Commissioners differed along party lines about the strength of the agency's relationship with local government. Republican members noted areas of commonality and work the regulator has done with municipal and other non-federal counterparts. Democrats said the agency needs to improve. The commissioners were answering our questions at a news conference after their monthly meeting Thursday.
FCC commissioners voted to move forward with $950 million to help improve and strengthen broadband networks in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It was one of five unanimous votes Thursday at the agency's monthly meeting, though commissioners from each party expressed some concerns.
More state commissions should consider strong ethics policies, including about campaign contributions, said Arizona Commissioner Boyd Dunn and government transparency advocates in interviews. While agreeing it's important, some state commissioners said they want to avoid unintended consequences.
FCC Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Geoffrey Starks said they have been frozen out of the process on changes to the order approving T-Mobile buying Sprint, circulated by Chairman Ajit Pai in August (see 1908140052). FCC officials told us only Pai and Commissioner Mike O’Rielly have voted to approve. Commissioner Brendan Carr’s office has had a series of meetings on the deal (see 1909240017).