Gary Epstein, head of the FCC’s Incentive Auction Task Force, on Friday laid out in more detail than before the commission’s next steps on an incentive auction of broadcast TV spectrum. Commissioner Ajit Pai warned that if the FCC doesn’t get repacking rules right, the auction could be a bust.
Gary Epstein, head of the FCC’s Incentive Auction Task Force, Friday laid out in more detail than before the commission’s next steps on an incentive auction of broadcast TV spectrum. Commissioner Ajit Pai warned that if the FCC doesn’t get repacking rules right, the auction could be a bust.
The White House announcement Thursday that Mike O'Rielly would be the nominee as the next Republican member of the FCC, replacing Robert McDowell (CD Aug 2 p1), was welcomed by most industry associations Friday. In a twist, some industry lobbyists told us they now believe the Senate could move more quickly than expected to confirm O'Rielly and Democrat Tom Wheeler, designated to be the next chairman of the agency. Industry officials also said they're hearing that acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn may move the scheduled Sept. 27 FCC meeting to the previous week, which would give her a final meeting as head of the commission and save Wheeler from having to chair a meeting in what could be his first few days at the agency.
The White House announcement Thursday that Mike O'Rielly would be the nominee as the next Republican member of the FCC, replacing Robert McDowell, was welcomed by most industry associations Friday. In a twist, some industry lobbyists told us they now believe the Senate could move more quickly than expected to confirm O'Rielly and Democrat Tom Wheeler, designated to be the next chairman of the agency. Industry officials also said they're hearing that acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn may move the scheduled Sept. 27 FCC meeting to the previous week, which would give her a final meeting as head of the commission and save Wheeler from having to chair a meeting in what could be his first few days at the agency.
The FCC released a lengthy NPRM exploring the future use of 1755-1780 MHz and three other spectrum bands -- 1695-1710, 2020-2025 and 2155-2180 MHz. The NPRM, which circulated before the July 4 holiday (CD July 16 p4), was released Tuesday night. It wraps together into a document that runs 102 pages many of the requests various parties have made on the spectrum as well as various developments from the federal government. It treats all the bands together as Advanced Wireless Services-3 spectrum. The commission approved the NPRM 3-0, though Republican Commissioner Ajit Pai voted to approve in part and concur in part.
The FCC unanimously launched its long-awaited rulemaking on reforms to the E-rate program Friday. But beyond some broad “aspirational” goals, the specifics are anything but settled, officials said. The NPRM will take into consideration “a whole host of comments and options and opportunities and proposals,” said acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn. Only after comments are received will the commission make a “comprehensive decision” on best ways forward, she said. The item is expected to be released early next week.
The FCC unanimously launched its long-awaited rulemaking on reforms to the E-rate program Friday. But beyond some broad “aspirational” goals, the specifics are anything but settled, officials said. The NPRM will take into consideration “a whole host of comments and options and opportunities and proposals,” said acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn. Only after comments are received will the commission make a “comprehensive decision” on best ways forward, she said. The item is expected to be released early next week.
Speech-impaired individuals will be able to communicate more effectively using the Speech-to-Speech (STS) Relay Service, FCC officials said, as commissioners voted unanimously to adopt an order and FNPRM adopting several enhancements to the program. The changes are designed to enhance “functional equivalency” for its users, an official said. Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn called the item “another step toward fulfilling the promise of Title IV of the [Americans with Disabilities Act].”
FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai offered his vision for the E-rate program Tuesday, which would prioritize next-generation Internet services over standalone voice telephone service. Pai’s plan would let schools know before the academic year starts how much money they have to spend, and would include a “straightforward matching requirement” that sees schools contributing $1 for every $3 they receive. The commission is scheduled to vote on an NPRM aimed at overhauling the E-rate program at its meeting Friday.
Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., are scheduled to speak at the FCC’s July 10 workshop on inmate calling services, the commission said Wednesday (http://fcc.us/12e07Wp). After opening remarks by acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn, panels will explore the “individual and societal impacts” of high prison phone rates; steps that states have taken to reform rates; and how inmate calling services are evolving to respond to the “unique needs of correctional facilities.” Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel will also speak. The workshop will begin at 9 a.m. in the Commission Meeting Room, and will be streamed live on fcc.gov/live.