The FCC and the U.K. Office of Communications announced Monday “a new framework for cooperation” on combating illegal robocalls and robotexts. The agencies agreed “to cooperate and share information to further their shared interests in protecting consumers and ensuring the integrity of communications networks.” Last week, the FCC and the U.K.’s Information Commissioner’s Office said they will cooperate on robocall and robotext enforcement (see 2402290039). “Scammers cross borders to trick, irritate and defraud consumers,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.
Effective April 4, an FCC rule states that a one-time text message that confirms a request to revoke consent from receiving any further calls or text messages and that contains no marketing information, doesn't violate commission rules strengthening consumers' ability to make such a request, said a notice for Tuesday's Federal Register. A rule on delivery restrictions is delayed indefinitely. Commissioners adopted the item in February along with an NPRM seeking comment on wireless providers' ability to send robocalls or robotexts to subscribers (see 2402160048). Comments on the NPRM are due April 4, replies by April 19, in docket 02-278, said a separate notice for Tuesday's FR.
Last month's Super Bowl demonstrated the importance of wireless mics, Shure said in a filing at the FCC posted Monday in docket 21-115. “Wireless microphone technology was, again, key to bringing to viewers the excitement and thrill of the much-anticipated 2024 championship game as well as a world-class halftime performance, pre-game and post-game performances,” Shure said: “There simply is no room for failure when the National Anthem and the Super Bowl Halftime Show are being viewed by record-setting audiences worldwide.” Shure noted the importance of a recent FCC order allowing the use of wireless multichannel audio system technology (see 2402150037).
Representatives of OpenPolicy and Human Security warned about risks posed by “backdoor malware” from devices manufactured in China. Meeting with aides to FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, the representatives discussed the FCC’s proposed cyber mark program, teed up for a March 14 commissioner vote (see 2402220059). The rules should cover all devices, said a filing posted Monday in docket 23-239: “Attacks can also be commenced on mobile devices, and general-purpose products such as tablets, and any explicit exclusion of such connected products is inappropriate.”
The FCC Public Safety Bureau said the Huron County, Ohio, Emergency Management Agency can conduct a wireless emergency alert system test March 20, one day later than the county requested (see 2402200072). The revised starting time is 9:45 a.m. EDT. The county asked for the delay because March 19 is election day in Ohio and the state, in conjunction with the National Weather Service, will be conducting its annual statewide tornado drill March 20, the bureau said.
The FCC released additional guidance Monday for affordable connectivity program providers as it continues winding down the program. "Absent additional funding from Congress, the ACP can only provide a partial reimbursement for May 2024," said a public notice docket 21-450. ACP providers "have the option to claim and pass on that partial reimbursement amount to enrolled households," it said: "After May 2024, the ACP will no longer support any benefits to enrolled households." Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel urged lawmakers to fully fund the program, saying many enrolled households have contacted the commission with concerns about losing service.
The U.S. government will seek dismissal of Vermont National Telephone (VTEL) litigation against Dish Network designated entities (DE) Northstar Wireless and SNR Wireless over allegations of fraud in the 2015 AWS-3 auction. The U.S. is the relator in the VTEL litigation. DOJ filed a notice of intent to intervene and dismiss Friday with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (docket 1:15-cv-00728). It hasn't said in court filings the reasoning behind its move to get the case dismissed, and didn't comment Monday. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in 2022 reversed the lower court's dismissal of VTEL's False Claims Act suit against the Dish DEs and remanded it to the D.C. District Court (see 2205170026).
AT&T is collaborating with the FCC and other regulators in the wake of the recent widespread wireless network outage (see 2402220058), AT&T Chief Operating Officer Jeff McElfresh said during a Morgan Stanley financial conference Monday. McElfresh also confirmed that the loss of affordable connectivity program (ACP) funding won’t be a major financial hit for the carrier, while AT&T is poised to gain connections through the broadband, equity, access and deployment (BEAD) program.
Numerous ISPs believe the affordable connectivity program's demise would give them a chance to snag subscribers from competitors. In earnings calls with analysts this quarter, many cable companies and telcos also told Wall Street they don't expect to take major hits to their subscriber base if the program ends (see 2311160076). The FCC said Monday that ACP funding will run out before the end of May (see 2403040077).
Former FCC Chairman Charles Ferris served on Cablevision's board (see 2402280032).