The FCC sought comment on proposed changes to rules for its evaluation and approval of radiofrequency devices, in a Tuesday NPRM approved by the full commission. Comment deadlines will be released in an upcoming Federal Register notice.
The FCC sought comment on proposed changes to rules for its evaluation and approval of radiofrequency devices, in a Tuesday NPRM approved by the full commission. Comment deadlines will be released in an upcoming Federal Register notice.
Consumers need more access to public Wi-Fi, said Travis Litman, legal adviser for FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, during a broadband summit sponsored by the 706 Joint Conference. The FCC also needs to keep tabs on innovative broadband access programs across the country and modernize the Lifeline program, he said. “More than half of us online have used public Wi-Fi at some point and for many American households, it’s their only means of getting online,” Litman said. “So having more Wi-Fi in more places means more opportunities for students to get their homework done.” Rosenworcel was scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the multiple-panel event held Wednesday afternoon after the NARUC summer committee meetings came to a close, but was pulled away by other business at the last minute. The panels focused on high-speed technology and the availability of services, broadband service adoption and innovation.
Consumers need more access to public Wi-Fi, said Travis Litman, legal adviser for FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, during a broadband summit sponsored by the 706 Joint Conference. The FCC also needs to keep tabs on innovative broadband access programs across the country and modernize the Lifeline program, he said. “More than half of us online have used public Wi-Fi at some point and for many American households, it’s their only means of getting online,” Litman said. “So having more Wi-Fi in more places means more opportunities for students to get their homework done.” Rosenworcel was scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the multiple-panel event held Wednesday afternoon after the NARUC summer committee meetings came to a close, but was pulled away by other business at the last minute. The panels focused on high-speed technology and the availability of services, broadband service adoption and innovation.
President Barack Obama is leaning on finances from industry and other groups to launch a pilot project the administration is calling ConnectHome, promising to help to connect to the Internet for 275,000 low-income households and just under 200,000 children. The White House will coordinate with industry players including CenturyLink, Cox Communications and Google Fiber to focus on 28 communities -- 27 cities and the Choctaw tribal nation -- to deliver broadband access for free or at heavily subsidized rates.
President Barack Obama is leaning on finances from industry and other groups to launch a pilot project the administration is calling ConnectHome, promising to help to connect to the Internet for 275,000 low-income households and just under 200,000 children. The White House will coordinate with industry players including CenturyLink, Cox Communications and Google Fiber to focus on 28 communities -- 27 cities and the Choctaw tribal nation -- to deliver broadband access for free or at heavily subsidized rates.
A bitterly divided FCC voted 3-2 Thursday to approve a package of proposals and actions to move the Lifeline USF program toward broadband coverage and move to improve oversight and counter abuses. The FCC's Democratic majority said the NPRM and orders would reboot Lifeline for the 21st century by helping low-income consumers gain broadband access and by undertaking further administrative restructuring to ensure program efficiency and integrity. But the Republican minority said Democratic refusal to impose or even propose a Lifeline budgetary cap was fiscally irresponsible and invited further waste, fraud and abuse.
A bitterly divided FCC voted 3-2 Thursday to approve a package of proposals and actions to move the Lifeline USF program toward broadband coverage and move to improve oversight and counter abuses. The FCC's Democratic majority said the NPRM and orders would reboot Lifeline for the 21st century by helping low-income consumers gain broadband access and by undertaking further administrative restructuring to ensure program efficiency and integrity. But the Republican minority said Democratic refusal to impose or even propose a Lifeline budgetary cap was fiscally irresponsible and invited further waste, fraud and abuse.
AT&T, CenturyLink and Verizon expressed concerns about a possible FCC requirement that telecom carriers providing Lifeline-supported service retain sensitive consumer documentation that's submitted to demonstrate eligibility for the USF program. The large telcos said the FCC shouldn't move forward with the proposal or should consider it further in a Lifeline NPRM the FCC is planning to vote on along with a Lifeline order at its June 18 meeting. Meanwhile, wireless Lifeline providers and others continue to lobby the FCC, backing the possible expansion of traditional Lifeline voice support to broadband access.
Senators from both parties questioned the effectiveness of the Lifeline program Tuesday during a Communications Subcommittee hearing. Some Democrats strongly praised FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s move to expand the program for broadband service, while Republicans emphasized deeper fiscal concerns. Both Republicans and Democrats weighed the possible need for capping the Lifeline fund.