The FCC, having made 1,700 MHz additional high-band spectrum available for mobile use Thursday, plans to initiate a third spectrum frontiers proceeding in the first half of 2018 that will look at the 23, 42 and 50 GHz bands and tee up the 26 GHz band, Commissioner Mike O'Rielly said as commissioners approved 4-1 the latest spectrum frontiers NPRM and Further NPRM. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said the agency needs to speed up the path for 5G implementation and laid out a five-point plan: “We are simply not moving fast enough."
FCC commissioners voted 3-2 to approve a Lifeline item to begin to revamp again the low-income subsidy program, going in a different direction than a 2016 overhaul. Chairman Ajit Pai and Republican colleagues said the combined orders and notices would crack down on program abuse and better target funding to those consumers and areas that really need it, while promoting facilities-based deployment. Dissenting Democrats said the actions and proposals would effectively gut the program and widen the digital divide. Congressional Democrats also hammered the moves.
FCC commissioners voted 3-2 to approve a Lifeline item to begin to revamp again the low-income subsidy program, going in a different direction than a 2016 overhaul. Chairman Ajit Pai and Republican colleagues said the combined orders and notices would crack down on program abuse and better target funding to those consumers and areas that really need it, while promoting facilities-based deployment. Dissenting Democrats said the actions and proposals would effectively gut the program and widen the digital divide. Congressional Democrats also hammered the moves.
The FCC approved its ATSC 3.0 order 3-2 Thursday over the objections of Democrats, as expected (see 1711140053). Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Mignon Clyburn were highly critical of 3.0's transition plan order, which was little changed from what circulated last month. The plan is “cavalier” about possible consequences for consumers and MVPDs, Rosenworcel said. “Not ready for prime time,” said Clyburn. The order intentionally doesn't address every aspect of the new standard, Commissioner Mike O’Rielly said. “Many questions remain,” he conceded. “This won’t be the last time we address ATSC 3.0,” he said.
The FCC approved its ATSC 3.0 order 3-2 Thursday over the objections of Democrats, as expected (see 1711140053). Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Mignon Clyburn were highly critical of 3.0's transition plan order, which was little changed from what circulated last month. The plan is “cavalier” about possible consequences for consumers and MVPDs, Rosenworcel said. “Not ready for prime time,” said Clyburn. The order intentionally doesn't address every aspect of the new standard, Commissioner Mike O’Rielly said. “Many questions remain,” he conceded. “This won’t be the last time we address ATSC 3.0,” he said.
The FCC took actions intended to spur wireline and wireless broadband deployment, some more controversial than others, at Thursday's monthly meeting. Commissioners voted 3-2 to adopt a combined order, declaratory ruling and Further NPRM that Republicans said were aimed at removing barriers to wireline infrastructure investments and Democrats said would remove important consumer and competition safeguards as industry transitions from copper-based networks to fiber-based IP systems. They voted 5-0 as expected (see 1711150015) to approve a wireless order commissioners said would make it easier to replace utility poles without compromising National Historic Preservation Act mandates.
Stakeholders criticized proposed FCC wireline broadband infrastructure actions in a draft item on the agenda for Thursday's commissioners' meeting (see 1710270040). Consumer groups, industry parties and others opposed changes the draft would make to agency rules adopted in past orders on technology transitions, copper retirements and telecom service discontinuances. Electric utilities voiced concern about possible FCC efforts to further drive down pole-attachment rates. The objections were in filings posted Monday and last week in docket 17-84, including on meetings before lobbying restrictions took effect Thursday.
Stakeholders criticized proposed FCC wireline broadband infrastructure actions in a draft item on the agenda for Thursday's commissioners' meeting (see 1710270040). Consumer groups, industry parties and others opposed changes the draft would make to agency rules adopted in past orders on technology transitions, copper retirements and telecom service discontinuances. Electric utilities voiced concern about possible FCC efforts to further drive down pole-attachment rates. The objections were in filings posted Monday and last week in docket 17-84, including on meetings before lobbying restrictions took effect Thursday.
The FCC will move on additional infrastructure overhaul, but not all at once, Rachael Bender, wireless adviser to Chairman Ajit Pai, told an FCBA lunch audience Wednesday. Aides to all five commissioners were at the session and indicated they mostly agreed on the importance of 5G and other looming spectrum issues. The Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee meets Thursday in what's expected to be a key session.
The FCC will move on additional infrastructure overhaul, but not all at once, Rachael Bender, wireless adviser to Chairman Ajit Pai, told an FCBA lunch audience Wednesday. Aides to all five commissioners were at the session and indicated they mostly agreed on the importance of 5G and other looming spectrum issues. The Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee meets Thursday in what's expected to be a key session.