The Office of the U.S Trade Representative issued its first list of product exclusions from the 25 percent Trade Act Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports, granting full or partial exemptions for nearly two dozen 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule subheadings, said a notice posted Friday at the agency’s website. The exclusions apply retroactively to July 6, the date the first tranche of tariffs took effect, and will remain in effect until one year after the USTR’s notice is published in the Federal Register.
Latest Harmonized System updates
Chairman Ajit Pai, quiet on the subject so far, is expected to circulate a Further NPRM seeking comment on the 5.9 GHz band, sooner rather than later, FCC and industry officials said. Commissioners Mike O’Rielly and Jessica Rosenworcel have urged action.
The FCC approved a declaratory ruling and order designed to speed the deployment of small cells and 5G across the U.S. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, whose vote had been in doubt (see 1809200007), partially dissented and partially concurred Wednesday.
Former FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell, Technology & Democracy Project-Discovery Institute Director Hance Haney and Georgetown Law Center on Privacy and Technology Deputy Director Laura Moy are expected to offer their visions at Wednesday's House Communications Subcommittee hearing on how Congress should shape privacy legislation to adapt to how technology updates since the 1996 Telecom Act changed access to customer proprietary network information. Congress should “examine a modernized and harmonized privacy framework that is technology neutral and which focuses on the sensitivity of the data versus the type of entity holding the data,” McDowell, Hudson Institute senior fellow, says in written testimony. Haney called for privacy legislation that strives for “technological and competitive neutrality,” with protections “calibrated according to the sensitivity of the information at issue in recognition of the fact that there are transaction costs associated with consumer consent systems.” Regulation should “reflect the practical reality that it is difficult to make predictions about how the market will evolve and at what pace,” Haney says. Moy likewise said there shouldn't be a “one-size-fits-all approach” to privacy in any legislation, making recommendations for changing enforcement authority of any federal agency charged with protection data privacy and security, including the FCC and FTC. New legislation “should not eliminate existing protections,” she said. “Americans are asking for more protections for their private information.” The hearing is set to begin at 10:15 a.m. in 2322 Rayburn (see 1807030041 and 1807090015).
The FCC July 12 agenda will tackle C-band spectrum for 5G, an NPRM on children’s TV rules as expected (see 1806180055), and false emergency alerts, but not the national TV ownership cap, said industry attorneys and Chairman Ajit Pai's blog. Though the FCC was seen last week as aiming to take on the cap in July (see 1806140055), the agency is now seen as shooting for the August commissioners’ meeting. “It’s imperative that we remain at the front of the pack,” for 5G, Pai said. The July meeting also will include proceedings on nationwide number portability, 800 MHz spectrum and handling of formal complaints, he wrote.
Former Marketing Strategy Leaders President Adrian Abramovich, fighting an FCC-proposed $120 million fine against his former Miami-based operation on spoofed robocall claims, denied the allegations during a Wednesday Senate Commerce Committee hearing and said he's being scapegoated for widespread industry practices. Abramovich, appearing under subpoena, drew senators' ire and a possible contempt citation because of selective invocation of his Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination to avoid answering questions about MSL's specific practices. Senate Consumer Protection Subcommittee ranking member Richard Blumenthal, Conn., and other Democrats pushed for additional legislation and federal agency action to combat the proliferation of abusive robocalls.
A federal-state joint board on separations probably won't agree on recommendations for overhauling the system of allocating incumbent telco costs between the federal and state jurisdictions, said FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly, the board chairman. He proposed a 15-year extension of a current freeze on jurisdictional separations and other targeted steps to help resolve long-term issues. State members of the panel Friday said discussions should continue.
The FCC should react to the recent false missile alert in Hawaii by developing best practices for the emergency alert system, studying improvements to the system and committing “right now” to having changes in place before summer, said FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel Thursday at an NAB event on how broadcasters can prepare for emergencies (see 1801160054). “We need to look at everything from state training and practices to improved user interfaces for public safety that can reduce the likelihood of error.” Broadcasters told us preparation and funds are important to staying on-air (see 1712220028).
The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology's looking for input on the Technological Advisory Council’s hunt for technical regulations in need of modification (see 1708310035) got suggestions on new filing requirements for internal reorganizations and reforming rules on marketing and operation of RF devices before authorization. Monday was the deadline for docket 17-215 comments.
Drone industry officials said privacy legislation introduced last week by Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., unnecessarily singles out unmanned aircraft systems, especially since an NTIA multistakeholder process developed best practices for privacy (see 1605180044 and 1605190007). "We don't create a separate and distinct privacy requirement silo for operators," said Kara Calvert, who heads the Drone Manufacturers Alliance, in an interview. She said it's not about the type of technology but about the data, operator and behavior. Targeting drones is an "unnecessary requirement," she said, adding her group had the same concern with NTIA's development of privacy best practices last year (see 1605200048). She said DMA is a strong proponent of education that will address concerns and about complying with Federal Aviation Administration rules.