The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected a public interest group petition for en banc review of the court’s decision against the FCC’s 2024 net neutrality order, an order said Tuesday. “The original panel has reviewed the petition for rehearing and concludes that the issues raised in the petition were fully considered upon the original submission and decision of the cases,” it said. After the petition (see 2502180050) was circulated to the full court, no 6th Circuit judge requested a vote on the petition for rehearing, the order said.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told us Monday night that he doesn’t expect the chamber to “get to” a vote this week on a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval to undo the FCC's July 2024 order allowing schools and libraries to use E-rate support for off-premises Wi-Fi hot spots (S.J.Res. 7). That means Senate action on S.J.Res. 7 likely won’t happen until after the chamber returns from its brief, upcoming recess the week of March 24. The Senate has a 60-session-day deadline from S.J.Res. 7’s Jan. 27 filing to fast-track consideration of the measure.
The FCC on Tuesday sought comment on the competitive bidding procedures for the upcoming AWS-3 auction. The notice comes with an AWS-3 NPRM, approved 4-0 last month (see 2502270042), still pending. It proposes an ascending clock auction format where bidding in the opening phase would be for specific licenses, without a separate assignment phase, similar to the 2.5 GHz auction three years ago.
The FCC is "moving at breakneck speed" and "really swinging for the fences" since the start of the Trump administration, Chairman Brendan Carr said Tuesday at Incompas' Policy Summit. Carr reiterated his "pretty aggressive agenda," which includes addressing media issues, reining in Big Tech, pushing initiatives that will "spur economic growth," and supporting national security and public safety.
CTIA announced Wednesday that former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has been named president and CEO, effective April 1. Pai replaces Meredith Baker, also a former Republican member of the FCC, who has had the job since 2014.
The FCC is calling for suggestions on which of its rules should be eliminated in a docket (25-133) called “In re: Delete, Delete, Delete,” the agency announced in a news release and public notice Wednesday. “The FCC is committed to ending all of the rules and regulations that are no longer necessary. And we welcome the public’s participation and feedback throughout this process,” said Chairman Brendan Carr in the release. “For too long, administrative agencies have added new regulatory requirements in excess of their authority or kept lawful regulations in place long after their shelf life had expired.” The effort is linked to White House executive orders on deregulation and the Department of Government Efficiency, the release said. “We are seeking public input on identifying FCC rules for the purpose of alleviating unnecessary regulatory burdens,” the public notice said.
The Donald Trump administration’s tariffs and conflicts with traditional allies in North America and Europe could complicate U.S. preparations for the next World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027, experts said Tuesday during a Technology Policy Institute spectrum webinar. The U.S. has traditionally worked through the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL), which represents the Americas region, but relationships with other CITEL members are increasingly in question, speakers said.
Project Rise offered an "unserious" bid to buy Paramount Global, and the issues it has raised with the FCC (see 2503060035) are an attempt to slow the Skydance Media/Paramount deal and force Paramount's board to consider that rival offer, Skydance said Monday (docket 24-275). It said Project Rise lacks standing to object to the transaction, and its "broadsides" lack factual support or merit. Skydance said its "fully funded plan will infuse Paramount with additional capital and combine Skydance’s talented, American management team and storytelling prowess with Paramount’s venerated brands," while Project Rise is offering "an unfunded and unrealistic proposal backed by a leadership team without relevant experience."
The FCC Wireline Bureau on Monday reminded Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program recipients that their next updates to the commission are due April 3. The last quarterly reports were due Jan. 3. “The status updates keep the Bureau apprised of recipients’ progress toward meeting their obligations under the Reimbursement Program,” the notice said.
The Edison Electric Institute, which represents electric utilities, asked the FCC to clarify that utilities have “prior express consent” under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act to send “demand response calls and texts” to their customers. EEI asked the commission to confirm “that such communications are ‘closely related’ to a customer’s utility service, as they are essential for effective grid management and for Americans to have the information they need to manage their cost of living, particularly considering rising energy demands and costs.” The group stressed the importance of these calls and texts to the electric industry. “Demand response programs target short-term, intentional modification of electricity usage by end-user customers during peak times or in response to market prices,” it said. “They help keep the electricity grid stable and efficient and can save customers money.” The petition was filed Monday in docket 02-278.