A potential blue wave in state legislative and gubernatorial elections (see 1810110031) could strengthen efforts to counter the FCC December order rescinding some net neutrality rules, said a state lawmaker and observers. But there’s no guarantee bills will pass even in Democratic-controlled states, and lawsuits against states could give lawmakers pause, some said. Flipping the state Senate is key to passing net neutrality in New York, said state Sen. Brad Hoylman (D), whose 2018 bill failed to pass. Adding Democrats may make less difference in other states that failed to pass bills last year, some said.
The FCC is thought likely to move forward on rules that bar use of money in any USF program to buy equipment or services from companies that “pose a national security threat” to U.S. communications networks or the communications supply chain. Commissioners approved an NPRM 5-0 in April (see 1804170038). CTIA and other carrier groups' comments raised concerns (see 1807050028), but industry officials said the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act may require FCC action.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai will likely face a shift in Capitol Hill oversight scrutiny in 2019 if one or both chambers shift to a Democratic majority in November elections, lawmakers and communications sector officials told us. That appears unlikely to endanger Pai's ability to lead the FCC any more than it has for other chairmen who faced lawmakers amid changing electoral fortunes, former commission officials predicted. Capitol Hill Democrats have had a sometimes-tense relationship with Pai since his chairmanship began in early 2017 (see 1807250043). Democratic leaders are generally eyeing more rigorous oversight of President Donald Trump's administration if they win control of a chamber.
Industry groups are pushing the FCC to take more steps to limit the reach of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and particularly the definition of automatic telephone dialing system (ATDS), after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit earlier this year overturned key parts of a 2015 order and declaratory ruling (see 1803160053). FCC action addressing industry concerns is widely expected (see 1804160044). The agency sought further comment in an Oct. 3 public notice, and responses were filed Wednesday and Thursday in docket 18-152. TCPA bars ATDS calls only to cellphones.
An outspoken metropolitan New York specialty AV retailer confronted Pearl TV Managing Director Anne Schelle during Q&A of an NAB Show New York ATSC 3.0 workshop Thursday by opining that the standard won’t fly with consumers unless broadcasters use it to beam live sports and other content in Ultra HD. “What people want from the owned and operated network stations is 4K HDR, and when you deliver that, it will be instantly successful to the many millions and millions of people who have sets waiting,” said Robert Zohn, president of Value Electronics in Scarsdale, New York.
The FCC earth stations in motion rules harmonization and Further NPRM about additional frequencies for communication with geostationary satellites approved last month (see 1809260029) could help juice up satellite broadband applications and the vehicular ESIM market, experts said at an FCBA event Thursday. Inmarsat Regulatory Director Giselle Creeser said the land ESIM market has been quieter than aeronautical and maritime applications, but services including autonomous trains and long-haul trucks are likely coming up.
U.S. broadband capital expenditures rose 2 percent in 2017 to $76.3 billion, said USTelecom's annual report Thursday. The group credited the FCC's recent "internet freedom" and tech transition orders and congressional "tax reform" with helping to reverse a two-year capex decline that "began" when the FCC "moved to impose common carrier" regulation on broadband providers in 2015. The report confirms FCC "policies to promote broadband deployment are working," said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. "Investment is pouring back into this space," said Commissioner Brendan Carr at a USTelecom event.
From issues ranging from longer time frames before non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite constellations are considered in use, to identifying the entire 47.2-50.2 band for international mobile telecommunications (IMT), terrestrial and satellite interests are pushing numerous and sometimes jousting suggestions for the World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee draft recommendations. Comments were posted this week in docket 16-185.
Lack of a final decision from Chief Administrative Law Judge Richard Sippel on the Sinclair/Tribune hearing designation order won't slow or affect Sinclair merger and acquisition efforts, CEO Chris Ripley told us after speaking at NAB Show New York Thursday. Sinclair is “focused” on more consolidation in broadcast TV, and on adjacent growth avenues such as regional sports networks, cable and digital offerings, Ripley said.
CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus thinks broadcasting live sports in 4K will take a slow and methodical migration path, reminiscent of other network moves into new technologies, he told the NAB Show New York’s TV2020 conference Wednesday. “It’s going to be just like high-definition,” he said.