Commissioners approved a declaratory ruling saying that regulator has fulfilled one of its obligations under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act (HR-4998). The FCC approved the item despite the different stances of Mike O’Rielly and Brendan Carr. Commissioners Geoffrey Starks and Jessica Rosenworcel said the FCC still isn't doing enough to ensure secure networks in the U.S. After the draft item was circulated, the agency barred Huawei and ZTE from participating in the USF (see 2006300078).
The FCC didn't budge on an implementation deadline that telecom interests said couldn't be met. The commission's 988 suicide prevention hotline order approved unanimously Thursday tried to mitigate some problems they face, Commissioner Mike O'Rielly said. No change to the two-year deadline was expected (see 2007150058) Telecoms argued universal implementation by that deadline is impossible (see 2006230022). Some commissioners disagreed.
The FCC approved updated rules for finding the vertical location of wireless callers to 911 over partial dissent by Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and concerns by Commissioner Mike O’Rielly. The concerns were expected, with the FCC getting contradictory advice about the order (see 2007100045), which updates rules commissioners approved in November (see 1911220034). The first mandates kick in next April.
Rollout of a nationwide three-digit suicide prevention hotline will be given two years, not 18 months, under a draft order to be on the FCC's July 16agenda, it said Tuesday. The longer timeframe is getting acceptance from the mental health community. Some telecom interests argued the 18-month implementation in the NPRM was too short a time frame (see 2002180021) and see two years as still problematic.
President Donald Trump appears slightly likelier to choose Brendan Carr over GOP Commissioner Mike O’Rielly as FCC chairman if he wins re-election and current commission head Ajit Pai steps aside, communications sector officials and lobbyists said in interviews. Carr’s edge is narrow enough that few people we spoke with discounted the prospect of O’Rielly prevailing or the possibility Trump could choose a non-FCC Republican.
Senate Commerce Committee members signaled interest in including further emergency broadband funding in the next COVID-19 package. Some senators urged their colleagues to think beyond the crisis. The Wednesday hearing featured few references to House Democrats' Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (Heroes) Act (HR-6800), which contains substantial broadband funding. The bill also includes language to make broadcasters and other local outlets eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program. Both issues drew increasing support since the March enactment of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (see 2004300058). The House is expected to vote on HR-6800 as soon as Friday.
The FCC approved 5-0 allowing broadband in 900 MHz, reallocating a 6 MHz swath while keeping 4 MHz for narrowband. Commissioners voted electronically (see 2005130008) before Wednesday's abbreviated virtual meeting, as expected (see 2005070054). Anterix executives said the spectrum could help utilities across the U.S. update operations and move to a smart grid.
The FCC wants refreshed comments from a 2016 "Team Telecom" NPRM on timely executive branch review of deals involving foreign ownership, said a public notice Monday. The NPRM sought comment on what types of applications should be referred to the executive branch, what information should be included on an application that could help with the review, how applicants would certify compliance with mitigation, and how quickly the executive branch would complete reviews (see 1606030025). Commissioners of both parties backed the PN.
The FCC issued show cause orders Friday against four companies “ultimately subject to the ownership and control of the Chinese government.” China Telecom Americas, China Unicom Americas, Pacific Networks and ComNet were ordered to explain why the FCC shouldn't begin the process of revoking their domestic and international authorizations allowing them to operate in the U.S. The companies have 30 days to respond.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr is getting a mix of criticism and defense for recent comments on Twitter and elsewhere about China and other topics. He has also drawn notice in recent months for his criticisms of Free Press’ emergency petition for inquiry into broadcasters airing allegedly false information about COVID-19 (see 2004060073) and the House Intelligence Committee’s subpoenas of call records during its inquiry on impeaching President Donald Trump. Some critics believe Carr is wading into political controversies in a bid to be appointed FCC chairman after current head Ajit Pai steps down, if Trump wins re-election.