The FCC is likely to look to DOJ to tackle Dish Network’s complaint against T-Mobile about the pending shuttering of T-Mobile’s CDMA network, government and industry officials said in recent interviews. In a May 3 letter, groups asked the FCC (see 2105030065) to use Communications Act authority to examine the closing of the network, by year-end. The more likely forum to examine the complaint is at DOJ, though the FCC could scope the shutdown, experts said. The California Public Utilities Commission could also investigate.
Noting the high use of texting by populations particularly at risk to suicide, such as kids and minorities, the four FCC members on Thursday approved a Further NPRM on a mandate that carriers provide capabilities to text the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (see 2103310030). Also getting unanimous approvals at the commissioners' meeting were an order allocating spectrum for commercial space launches and an NPRM on setting a framework for informing 911 centers of network outages affecting them, as well as an NPRM on wireless mics in the TV and other bands and an order ending the 800 MHz rebranding process (see 2104220056). Commissioners also OK'd a $4.1 million slamming fine.
The FCC should act quickly to help school districts give students the devices and connectivity they need to learn online while schools are closed due to COVID-19 outbreaks, educational technology stakeholders said in recent interviews. An estimated 6 million to 12 million K-12 schoolchildren don't have residential broadband. Some school districts are postponing online classes until all their students can be connected.
The FCC should act quickly to help school districts give students the devices and connectivity they need to learn online while schools are closed due to COVID-19 outbreaks, educational technology stakeholders said in recent interviews. An estimated 6 million to 12 million K-12 schoolchildren don't have residential broadband. Some school districts are postponing online classes until all their students can be connected.
Commissioner Mignon Clyburn's “closing statement” Wednesday summed up her accomplishments at the FCC and her regrets. Though Clyburn announced she was leaving, sat out the May meeting and held a farewell ceremony last month, she has continued to vote on some things, attend events as a commissioner (see 1805180042) and issued a call for ISP data for low-income broadband package subscriber information earlier in the day. Though the statement is labeled a closing one, and reads like a farewell, it doesn’t expressly say Clyburn is now officially stepping down. Her office didn’t comment.
Commissioner Mignon Clyburn's “closing statement” Wednesday summed up her accomplishments at the FCC and her regrets. Though Clyburn announced she was leaving, sat out the May meeting and held a farewell ceremony last month, she has continued to vote on some things, attend events as a commissioner (see 1805180042) and issued a call for ISP data for low-income broadband package subscriber information earlier in the day. Though the statement is labeled a closing one, and reads like a farewell, it doesn’t expressly say Clyburn is now officially stepping down. Her office didn’t comment.
The numbers of cell sites and radio stations knocked out by Tropical Storm Harvey and of cable and wireline customers without service (see 1708290029) is dropping, though the number of TV stations off air has ticked up, the FCC said Wednesday in its latest status report. The agency is receiving some kudos for its storm-related response and some criticism for its wireless emergency upgrade proceeding. Companies are stepping up aid.
Democratic House Communications Subcommittee leadership of Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pa., bodes well for the party in the new Congress, his colleagues told us Thursday after Commerce Committee Democrats selected him as subcommittee ranking member (see 1701120021). He will take over for Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., who didn’t seek the position, and he said in an interview he will focus on preserving consumer protections from the FCC net neutrality order. He has been in office since 1995.
Democratic House Communications Subcommittee leadership of Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pa., bodes well for the party in the new Congress, his colleagues told us Thursday after Commerce Committee Democrats selected him as subcommittee ranking member (see 1701120021). He will take over for Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., who didn’t seek the position, and he said in an interview he will focus on preserving consumer protections from the FCC net neutrality order. He has been in office since 1995.
President Barack Obama sent the renomination of Jessica Rosenworcel for FCC commissioner to the Senate Wednesday (see 1701040072), as the office of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., had requested last month. Her tenure as a Democratic commissioner ended Tuesday following Senate inaction on her term's expiration last Congress. The 115th Congress began Tuesday.