The FCC is likely to look to DOJ to tackle Dish Network’s complaint against T-Mobile about the pending shuttering of T-Mobile’s CDMA network, government and industry officials said in recent interviews. In a May 3 letter, groups asked the FCC (see 2105030065) to use Communications Act authority to examine the closing of the network, by year-end. The more likely forum to examine the complaint is at DOJ, though the FCC could scope the shutdown, experts said. The California Public Utilities Commission could also investigate.
The FCC is likely to look to DOJ to tackle Dish Network’s complaint against T-Mobile about the pending shuttering of T-Mobile’s CDMA network, government and industry officials said in recent interviews. In a May 3 letter, groups asked the FCC (see 2105030065) to use Communications Act authority to examine the closing of the network, by year-end. The more likely forum to examine the complaint is at DOJ, though the FCC could scope the shutdown, experts said. The California Public Utilities Commission could also investigate.
The FCC should “take a fresh look” at “effectiveness” of rules implementing the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act’s bar on excessively loud TV ads, acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a letter to Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., released Thursday. The Media Bureau sought comment last month in docket 21-181 on the extent to which Calm Act rules need to change in response to a request from Eshoo (see 2104140001). Comments are due June 3, replies July 9 (see 2104200001). “Like you, I am concerned when I hear complaints about commercials that are far louder than the programming they accompany,” Rosenworcel told Eshoo. “I am hopeful that the record we develop will help inform what next steps may be needed to increase the effectiveness” of Calm Act enforcement.
Stakeholders are increasing outreach before the FCC's emergency broadband benefit program starts on May 12 (see 2102250066). Some remain concerned whether EBB efforts will reach consumers that need the support the most, they said in recent interviews.
Stakeholders are increasing outreach before the FCC's emergency broadband benefit program starts on May 12 (see 2102250066). Some remain concerned whether EBB efforts will reach consumers that need the support the most, they said in recent interviews.
The FCC's newest member lent his general support to the agency's thrust, following other recent supportive comments by Commissioner Brendan Carr (see 2104220036). The agency under acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has been focused on "doing things that just need doing," said Commissioner Nathan Simington during a virtual FCBA keynote Friday. Rosenworcel is "really managing the agency effectively," Simington said: "If you look at our voting records since I've joined up, there's a lot of unanimous decisions." There's a "lot of work we can get done," he said, and "that's exactly what we've been doing all year."
Noting the high use of texting by populations particularly at risk to suicide, such as kids and minorities, the four FCC members on Thursday approved a Further NPRM on a mandate that carriers provide capabilities to text the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (see 2103310030). Also getting unanimous approvals at the commissioners' meeting were an order allocating spectrum for commercial space launches and an NPRM on setting a framework for informing 911 centers of network outages affecting them, as well as an NPRM on wireless mics in the TV and other bands and an order ending the 800 MHz rebranding process (see 2104220056). Commissioners also OK'd a $4.1 million slamming fine.
The FCC launched its robocall mitigation database Tuesday, said a Wireline Bureau public notice in docket 17-97. Voice service providers have until June 30 to submit the required information. Intermediate and terminating voice service providers must block traffic from providers not listed in the database, beginning Sept. 28. “Protecting consumers from scammers that use robocall and spoofing tools is a top priority,” said acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. "Our message to providers is clear: certify under penalty of perjury the steps you are taking to stop illegal robocalls, or we will block your calls.”
The FCC launched its robocall mitigation database Tuesday, said a Wireline Bureau public notice in docket 17-97. Voice service providers have until June 30 to submit the required information. Intermediate and terminating voice service providers must block traffic from providers not listed in the database, beginning Sept. 28. “Protecting consumers from scammers that use robocall and spoofing tools is a top priority,” said acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. "Our message to providers is clear: certify under penalty of perjury the steps you are taking to stop illegal robocalls, or we will block your calls.”
Communications companies and federal agencies are still deciding when to bring more employees back for in-person work, experts said in interviews. But with no clear federal rules, executives are weighing benefits and risks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is expected to release updated guidance in the next few weeks.