The FCC wants comments by May 23, replies by June 24, in docket 22-238 on a Further NPRM concerning steps the commission can take under the Safe Connections Act that will help survivors of domestic violence access safe, affordable connected car services, said a notice in Tuesday's Federal Register. Commissioners approved the item earlier this month (see 2404080072).
FCC commissioners approved a Further NPRM seeking comment on steps the agency can take to assist survivors of domestic violence access safe and affordable connected car services under the Safe Connections Act. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel circulated the proposal in February (see 2402280053). Comments are due 30 days after Federal Register publication, 60 days for replies, in docket 22-238. "Having access to a car is also a lifeline," Rosenworcel said: "That is why in this rulemaking we propose that survivors should be able to separate lines that connect their cars."
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel circulated an NPRM that would seek comment on whether the commission should consider rule changes addressing the "impact of connected car services on domestic violence survivors" as it implements the Safe Connections Act, the agency said in a Wednesday news release. The move comes after the FCC wireless service providers and auto manufacturers responded to Rosenworcel's letters last month asking about their in-vehicle connectivity and connected car services. "
Public interest and consumer groups urged the FCC take a more aggressive stance on a November Further NPRM about protecting consumers from SIM swapping and port-out fraud (see 2311150042). CTIA said the commission should “pursue a flexible and risk-based approach” toward customer account security and fraud deterrence. Reply comments were due this week in docket 21-341, and they largely mirror initial comments (see 2401180053).
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel asked auto manufacturers and wireless service providers to help protect domestic abuse survivors "from the misuse of connected car tools by abusers." In letters Thursday, Rosenworcel wrote, "Having access to a car is also a critical lifeline," adding: "No survivor of domestic violence and abuse should have to choose between giving up their car and allowing themselves to be stalked and harmed by those who can access its data and connectivity." Rosenworcel contacted Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Stellantis, Tesla and Toyota asking for "details about the connected car systems they offer, any existing plans to support survivors in their efforts to disconnect from abusers, and how these companies handle consumers’ geolocation data." In addition, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile received letters. Rosenworcel asked the providers for information about "existing connected car services, treatment of geolocation data from these services, current compliance with the Safe Connections Act of 2022, and how/if the companies provide connected car services to consumers who are not subscribers to their wireless services otherwise."
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez wants to focus on empowering and engaging with underserved consumers and combating media disinformation, she said Tuesday during the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s inaugural Celebrating Latina Excellence event. A news release from her office called it “her first major speech.” Gomez was sworn in Sept. 25. In a news conference after her remarks Tuesday, Gomez said that her most immediate policy goals for the FCC are implementing continued funding for the affordable connectivity program and spectrum auctions authorization, both of which would require congressional action before the agency could act. “I am a firm believer in the power of competition to drive innovation that improves services and lowers prices for consumers,” Gomez said. “But competition only works when the market works”
The FCC's rules implementing the Safe Connections Act take effect Jan. 14, said a notice for Tuesday's Federal Register. Commissioners adopted the item in November (see 2311150042).
Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., praised the FCC Thursday for approving an order implementing the Safe Connections Act during its Wednesday meeting (see 2311150042). The order provides a pathway for domestic violence survivors to separate their phone lines from family plans and to call or text hotlines without the numbers being included in logs. It also establishes temporary eligibility for survivors to receive Lifeline support. “Survivors of domestic violence should never have to live in fear of their abusers,” said Fischer, who joined Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, in sponsoring the bill (see 2212070055). “The FCC’s implementation of our legislation will ensure that these survivors have the tools to safeguard their communications and connect with critical services securely.”
FCC commissioners approved an open-ended notice of inquiry Wednesday that asked how AI can fight robocalls, as well as potential risks from the technology. Commissioners also approved an order providing survivors of domestic violence with safe and affordable access to communications and an order and Further NPRM protecting consumers from SIM swapping and port-out fraud. None of the items was controversial and all were approved 5-0.
USTelecom welcomed the FCC's draft order implementing the Safe Connections Act in separate meetings with aides to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Commissioners Brendan Carr, Geoffrey Starks and Nathan Simington. Commissioners will consider the order, which would provide survivors of domestic violence with access to safe and affordable communications services, during a Nov. 15 agency meeting (see 2310250070). The group sought greater flexibility in the deadlines for providers to update their copies of the hotline database, per an ex parte filing posted Tuesday in docket 22-238. "Providers will need the additional time to perform the monthly updates if the process is technically complex," USTelecom said. The group also asked that survivors self-certify their eligibility for Lifeline to do so in the national verifier and that they can receive the benefit only for voice-only mobile wireless service.