The FCC expects Emprata to provide an initial data flow proposal for the new broadband data maps by April 12 and draft data architecture design by May 3, acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel told Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., and Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, in letters posted on the commission's site Monday (see 2103170026). Rosenworcel laid out the steps needed to create new maps, including a "framework for massive amounts of data" to "feed into a comprehensive, user-friendly dataset on broadband availability" and IT systems to collect and verify data (see 2103230071).
The FCC expects Emprata to provide an initial data flow proposal for the new broadband data maps by April 12 and draft data architecture design by May 3, acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel told Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., and Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio, in letters posted on the commission's site Monday (see 2103170026). Rosenworcel laid out the steps needed to create new maps, including a "framework for massive amounts of data" to "feed into a comprehensive, user-friendly dataset on broadband availability" and IT systems to collect and verify data (see 2103230071).
Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is pressing to get the FCC’s first version of broadband maps ready in four months, which Commissioner Brendan Carr supports. Experts said in recent interviews that it's doable to get something out, but the kinds of maps the FCC needs will likely take much longer. The maps are considered critical to the 5G Fund auction and the next phase of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Those representing smaller carriers that are likely to contend for the 5G Fund were hopeful but uncertain that maps can be developed in a tight time frame.
Panelists called for more federal dollars and resources to help minority and female entrepreneurs and for the FCC to address the digital divide to facilitate tech startups outside big tech hubs. “You cannot build a technology company with dial-up internet,” Andy Stoll, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation senior program officer-entrepreneurship, said at an FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment’s virtual event.
Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is pressing to get the FCC’s first version of broadband maps ready in four months, which Commissioner Brendan Carr supports. Experts said in recent interviews that it's doable to get something out, but the kinds of maps the FCC needs will likely take much longer. The maps are considered critical to the 5G Fund auction and the next phase of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Those representing smaller carriers, likely to contend for the 5G Fund, were hopeful but uncertain that maps can be developed in a tight time frame.
Two startup satellite operators expect to light up their “cell tower in space” services within two years. Some see regulatory red flags.
FCC commissioners approved a notice of inquiry 4-0, asking questions about the future of open radio access networks and how they can help make 5G more secure. Officials told us several questions were added, as expected (see 2103160041), including on affordability for low-income and rural consumers and increasing deployments outside the urban core, as suggested by Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel added questions on competition and smaller market players, as suggested in ex parte filings, officials said.
FCC commissioners approved a notice of inquiry 4-0, asking questions about the future of open radio access networks and how they can help make 5G more secure. Officials told us several questions were added, as expected (see 2103160041), including on affordability for low-income and rural consumers and increasing deployments outside the urban core, as suggested by Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel added questions on competition and smaller market players, as suggested in ex parte filings, officials said.
Commissioners approved 4-0 an item that moves the agency closer to a 3.45-3.55 GHz 5G auction starting in early October. A notice proposes a standard FCC auction, similar to the C-band auction, rather than one based on sharing and rules similar to those in the citizens broadband radio service band. The draft public notice got several tweaks, as expected, including offering 10 MHz rather than 20 MHz blocks, but keeps larger partial economic area-sized licenses (see 2103150052). Commissioners Brendan Carr and Nathan Simington concurred on parts of the order because of lingering concerns.
Commissioners approved 4-0 an item that moves the agency closer to a 3.45-3.55 GHz 5G auction starting in early October. A notice proposes a standard FCC auction, similar to the C-band auction, rather than one based on sharing and rules similar to those in the citizens broadband radio service band. The draft public notice got several tweaks, as expected, including offering 10 MHz rather than 20 MHz blocks, but keeps larger partial economic area-sized licenses (see 2103150052). Commissioners Brendan Carr and Nathan Simington concurred on parts of the order because of lingering concerns.