The FCC approved 4-0 an NPRM proposing revised rules for a program to pay for the replacement of equipment from Huawei and ZTE in U.S. networks, as expected (see 2102110053), at the commissioners' meeting Wednesday. Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel stressed that even more than the previous administration, she's emphasizing coordination with other parts of the federal government in her approach to supply chain risks. Commissioner Brendan Carr said the U.S. must stay tough on China.
The FCC approved 4-0 an NPRM proposing revised rules for a program to pay for the replacement of equipment from Huawei and ZTE in U.S. networks, as expected (see 2102110053), at the commissioners' meeting Wednesday. Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel stressed that even more than the previous administration, she's emphasizing coordination with other parts of the federal government in her approach to supply chain risks. Commissioner Brendan Carr said the U.S. must stay tough on China.
Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the launch of a Broadband Data Task Force to push out the maps that will be needed for the 5G Fund, approved in October over partial dissents by Rosenworcel and fellow Democrat Geoffrey Starks (see 2010270034). Jean Kiddoo, who will chair the task force, warned the maps likely won’t be ready before next year. Rosenworcel declined to comment on the timeline in a news conference. The maps are also critical to other USF programs, officials said Wednesday.
Comments support a CTA proposal to allow the limited marketing and sales of wireless devices to consumers before equipment authorization, as long as those devices aren't provided to consumers until authorized by the FCC. Many sought changes to further liberalize the rules, including raising the number of devices that would qualify for a waiver. Comments were posted Friday in docket 20-382. Commissioners approved an NPRM 5-0 in December (see 2012100069).
Comments support a CTA proposal to allow the limited marketing and sales of wireless devices to consumers before equipment authorization, as long as those devices aren't provided to consumers until authorized by the FCC. Many sought changes to further liberalize the rules, including raising the number of devices that would qualify for a waiver. Comments were posted Friday in docket 20-382. Commissioners approved an NPRM 5-0 in December (see 2012100069).
California’s net neutrality law still faces industry challenge after DOJ notified (in Pacer) the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of California Monday that it moved to voluntarily dismiss the case (see 2102080059). Judge John Mendez soon afterward dismissed (in Pacer) and closed case 2:18-cv-02660, but not USTelecom, ACA Connects and other industry associations’ separate suit in case 2:18-cv-02684 before the same judge. Democrats applauded DOJ's withdrawing.
California’s net neutrality law still faces industry challenge after DOJ notified (in Pacer) the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of California Monday that it moved to voluntarily dismiss the case (see 2102080059). Judge John Mendez soon afterward dismissed (in Pacer) and closed case 2:18-cv-02660, but not USTelecom, ACA Connects and other industry associations’ separate suit in case 2:18-cv-02684 before the same judge. Democrats applauded DOJ's withdrawing.
The FCC Wireline Bureau seeks comment by Feb. 16, replies by Feb. 23, in docket 21-31 on petitions from the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition and others asking E-rate funds be used to support remote learning, said a public notice Monday (see 2101260055). Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, "We need to get to work to update E-rate funding so all our students can be connected to virtual classrooms." She called this a "first step in a process to hear about the emergency relief communities are seeking and to chart a path forward for the FCC to help solve this crisis."
The FCC Wireline Bureau seeks comment by Feb. 16, replies by Feb. 23, in docket 21-31 on petitions from the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition and others asking E-rate funds be used to support remote learning, said a public notice Monday (see 2101260055). Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, "We need to get to work to update E-rate funding so all our students can be connected to virtual classrooms." She called this a "first step in a process to hear about the emergency relief communities are seeking and to chart a path forward for the FCC to help solve this crisis."
Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel moves Michele Ellison to acting general counsel and Joel Taubenblatt to Wireless Bureau acting chief; Tom Johnson steps down as general counsel and continues at FCC, now at Wireless Bureau, where outgoing Chief Don Stockdale moves to Office of Economics and Analytics; Rosenworcel also makes staff appointments and "special designations to the Office of the Chairwoman": acting Chief of Staff Travis Litman, acting Chief Policy Adviser Kate Black and acting Chief Counsel Umair Javed, all worked in her commissioner's office; acting Special Adviser to the Chairwoman D’wana Terry, who remains acting director, Office of Workplace Diversity; acting Special Adviser to the Chairwoman Sanford Williams, who remains director, Office of Communications Business Opportunities; acting Special Adviser to the Chairwoman Trent Harkrader, also remaining deputy chief, Wireline Bureau; acting Legal Adviser-Media Holly Saurer, joining from Media Bureau; acting Legal Adviser-Consumer, Enforcement and International David Strickland, from Enforcement Bureau; acting Legal Adviser-Wireline Ramesh Nagarajan, from Wireline Bureau; acting Legal Adviser-Wireless and Public Safety Ethan Lucarelli, from Wireless Bureau; acting Staff Assistant Aurelle Porter, from then-Commissioner Rosenworcel’s office; and acting Confidential Assistant Andi Roane, who worked for office of Commissioner Nathan Simington.