The House Commerce Committee voted 46-0 Tuesday to advance its version of the 5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement Act (HR-5677), clearing the way for floor action on the measure as a stopgap aimed at temporarily restoring parts of the FCC’s lapsed spectrum auction authority. The Senate unanimously cleared original version S-2787 in September amid some lawmakers’ push to jump-start stalled talks on broad spectrum legislation (see 2309220057). The measure would give the FCC authority for 90 days to issue T-Mobile and other winning bidders the licenses they bought in the 2.5 GHz band auction last year (see 2309140051).
Republican condemnation of the FCC’s actions since it shifted to a Democratic majority in late September -- and Democrats’ defense of the commission’s recent record -- dominated a Thursday House Communications Subcommittee hearing on agency oversight, as expected (see 2311290001). The hearing’s slightly rancorous tone signaled a return to more overtly partisan oversight, in contrast to relatively more bipartisan discussion when FCC commissioners testified in front of the subpanel in June, while the commission was still tied 2-2 (see 2306210076).
DOD’s recent transmission to Congress of its study of the potential effects of commercial 5G use of the 3.1-3.45 GHz band on incumbent military systems likely means spectrum policy will be a larger focus during the House Communications Subcommittee’s Thursday FCC oversight hearing than earlier thought given Republican opposition to some agency actions since it gained a Democratic majority in September, lawmakers and lobbyists said in interviews. Subpanel members’ opinions about the FCC’s proceeding aimed at restoring most of its rescinded 2015 net neutrality rules and the commission’s adoption of digital discrimination rules earlier this month are still highly likely to be the central feature of the hearing (see 2311210073).
The FCC’s notice of inquiry asking how AI can fight robocalls, as well as potential risks from the technology, saw a few changes over the draft (see 2311150042). The FCC approved the NOI 5-0 Wednesday and released the final version Thursday. Comments are due Dec. 18, replies Jan. 16. Among the changes, the NOI now mentions the administration’s AI executive order (see 2310300056), released after the draft circulated. The FCC added a series of questions in a new paragraph. “What other steps can we take to identify the root causes of AI-driven robocall or robotext scams?” the NOI now asks: “Should we solicit information from industry regarding the type of AI technologies used in particular scams, either on a regular basis or in connection with investigations? Should we inquire as to whether the AI technology used was developed for general legal uses, and misused, or whether it was purpose-built for unlawful applications? If the AI technology was developed for general use, were there safeguards in place to ensure it was not misused? If so, how were they disabled?” The NOI also now asks, “How best can we share the information that we gather about fraudulent uses of AI within our purview with our sister agencies, who are charged with addressing malicious uses of AI in other contexts?” Commissioner Geoffrey Starks indicated Wednesday he asked for those changes. The NOI includes statements from Starks and Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.
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.
FCC commissioners voted 3-2 Wednesday to adopt rules aimed at curbing digital discrimination (see 2310250070). The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act-mandated order takes steps to facilitate equal access to broadband and investigate instances of discrimination. The commission also adopted a Further NPRM seeking comment on additional measures the FCC can take to advance equal access.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel circulated to the 10th floor a draft NPRM on prioritizing the processing of broadcast TV and radio applications from stations that provide locally originated programming, according to a news release Tuesday. The prioritization would apply to renewal applications and transfers of control, the release said. “There’s something special about when you hear a local voice on the airwaves or see a familiar face on your television set in the evening,” said Rosenworcel in the release. “We want to recognize that dedication when it comes time for license renewals and transactions and this proposal does just that.” No draft text for the item was released. Asked about the origin of the proposal, an FCC spokesperson said Rosenworcel was "inspired by her longstanding recognition of the importance of local journalism and news," and that she "continues to look for ways for consumers to receive news from trusted sources closest to them.” The FCC "is right to acknowledge the vital role local broadcast stations play in connecting and informing their communities," an NAB spokesperson said. "Especially at a time when misinformation runs rampant online and newspapers are shuttering, local broadcasting remains one of the most trusted sources of news and information. We look forward to learning more about this proposal.” United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry attorney Cheryl Leanza said FCC policies to incentivize local programming would be a positive step.
House Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., ranking member Frank Pallone, D-N.J., and others are hopeful that AI can aid in spectrum management activities, they said during a Communications Subcommittee hearing Tuesday. Rodgers and Pallone also praised the Biden administration Tuesday for releasing its long-awaited national spectrum strategy (see 2311130048). However, Senate Commerce Committee member Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., was far less enthusiastic about the plan, which directs NTIA to study the 3.1-3.45, 5.03-5.091, 7.125-8.4, 18.1-18.6 and 37.0-37.6 GHz bands over the next two years for potential repurposing.
LA QUINTA, Calif. -- The EPA took “very seriously” telecom lead findings reported by the Wall Street Journal this summer (see 2307210004), EPA Senior Counselor to the Administrator Grant Cope said Monday. The government’s investigation continues, he told the NARUC Telecom Committee at the association’s meeting here. Also, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s former chief of staff Travis Litman said the FCC will have to “run, not walk” to complete net neutrality and other possibly divisive items before the election.
The Biden administration released its long-awaited national spectrum strategy and a presidential memorandum on modernizing U.S. spectrum policy at a White House ceremony Monday. The plan identifies the 3.1-3.45, 5.03-5.091, 7.125-8.4, 18.1-18.6 and 37.0-37.6 GHz bands for further study by NTIA over the next two years for potential repurposing (see 2311130007). But the plan omits other bands thought to be in the federal cross-hairs. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr slammed the strategy.