CTA raised concerns as FCC commissioners approved 4-0 Thursday an NPRM and notice of inquiry that would further clamp down on gear from companies deemed to pose a security risk in U.S. networks. Commissioners said several questions were added since a draft of the item circulated, as expected (see 2106090063).
The FCC is expected to unanimously reject two low-power FM petitions for reconsideration at Thursday's commissioners' meeting (see 2105270085). LPFM advocates said in interviews they view the move as paving the way for an upcoming LPFM application window and believe this FCC could look favorably on the latest effort to increase LPFM power levels. “We aren’t being dismissed. We’re being listened to,” said Caitlin Reading, who advises the LPFM Coalition. “That’s exciting.”
Emergency broadband benefit providers are encountering problems enrolling eligible households in the program through Universal Service Administrative Co.’s national Lifeline accountability database, representatives said in interviews and FCC filings. Industry groups said it prevented some consumers from taking advantage of the temporary benefit when the EBB launched in May.
FCC acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel can force votes on items, a step that needs the vote of at least one Republican commissioner under must-vote rules. With a full commission, the chair needs the votes of only the other members of the majority party to trigger the rules. Rosenworcel hasn't focused on changing the rules. Some experts said in interviews an change is overdue, although many think the rules won't significantly impede her.
The FCC agreed 3-1 Thursday to stay the 4.9 GHz order, approved 3-2 last year and as some expected (see 2105140051). Commissioner Brendan Carr dissented, while Nathan Simington voted yes. “The Commission’s decision to stay our 4.9 GHz band order will return this spectrum to the broken framework of the past,” Carr said: “This is the spectrum equivalent of taking points off the board. While I am dissenting from today’s decision, I remain hopeful that we can find a way to quickly put a beneficial framework back in place.” Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Commissioner Geoffrey Starks dissented to the original order, which gave states control over how the band is used (see 2009300050). Simington wasn't a member then. No other commissioner had a statement now. The order noted petitions for reconsideration by APCO, the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance and National Public Safety Telecommunications Council. “In light of the serious questions posed …, the possibility of irreparable harm to current and future public safety users of the 4.9 GHz band and to our goal of facilitating greater use of this spectrum, the extent to which a stay will further the public interest, and the fact that no parties will be injured if a stay is granted, a stay is appropriate to permit the Commission to address the issues raised,” the order said. “Allowing use of the band to become fragmented on a state-by-state basis could create incentives for individual states to make use of the spectrum for revenue generation in ways that do not serve the interests of public safety, decreasing the likelihood of interoperable communications for public-safety users.” The commission’s action "comes as a relief,” said APCO Executive Director Derek Poarch, who thanked commissioners for “listening to public safety and taking this important step to chart a better course for the spectrum.”
Drafts released Thursday revealed details of what acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wants FCC colleagues to vote on at the members' June 17 meeting. On letting companies market RF devices pending FCC authorization, a draft would allow a greater number of the products than initially suggested. CTA sought limited marketing and sales of wireless devices to consumers before they're authorized.
The FCC will launch a proceeding aimed at increasing telecom security by making changes to its equipment authorization rules and competitive bidding procedures “to help keep insecure devices off the market,” acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said Wednesday. Commissioners will also take up a proposal sought by CTA allowing the limited marketing and sales of wireless devices to consumers before equipment authorization. All the items are to be voted at the June 17 commissioners' meeting.
The FCC proceeding on its Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act isn’t considered likely to lead to rule changes, but increased enforcement and warnings to licensees could be in the cards, said broadcast and cable attorneys. The FCC acted quickly to begin an examination after the act’s originator, Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., criticized lack of enforcement. The agency has authority to enforce the rule, Rosenworcel told reporters Thursday. Comments on the rules are due June 3 (see 2105070058).
Citing the impact of COVID-19 on incarcerated people and their families, FCC commissioners unanimously approved an order and Further NPRM Thursday to cut interstate rates for inmate calling services (see 2105120031). It’s “not the last action we will take because there is more that needs to be done,” said acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel during Thursday’s meeting.
Staying 4.9 GHz band rules as proposed by acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel isn't a slam dunk. Rosenworcel appears close to lining up a third vote to support the stay, FCC and public safety officials said in interviews last week. The order made broad changes, giving control to states. Few of them have engaged. A Louisiana bill to reallocate the band per the FCC order got unanimous House approval last month and could pass the Senate Monday.