On 6 March 2019, Democrats in the House and Senate introduced the “Save the Internet Act of 2019.” The three-page bill (1) repeals the FCC’s Restoring Internet Freedom Order released in early 2018, as adopted by the Republican-led FCC under Chairman Ajit Pai; (2) prohibits the FCC from reissuing the RIF Order or
CPNI Deadline Kicks off FCC’s Spring Filing Season
Tomorrow, March 1, 2019, telecommunications carriers and interconnected VOIP providers (“Filers”) will have filed their annual certification confirming they complied with the FCC’s Customer Proprietary Network Information (“CPNI”) rules.
The FCC’s CPNI rules require Filers to establish and maintain systems designed to ensure they adequately protect their subscribers’ CPNI. Consumer data protected by the
2018 Year In FCC Review
The year of 2018 at the FCC could be considered the year of déjà vu. Sure, the Commission broke new ground in some areas, but many of the headline-grabbing items rehashed old proceedings. For instance:
Net Neutrality
The ink was barely dry on the FCC’s net neutrality rules when, in January, the agency released
FCC Issues 900 MHz Licensing Freeze
Earlier this month, the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau implemented a temporary freeze on applications for new and modified authority for Land Mobile systems operating in the 896-901/935-940 MHz band. The freeze was effective as of September 13, 2018.
The freeze stems from a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) issued by the FCC in 2017, seeking input
FCC Fines Private Licensee More Than $500k For Transactional Violations
Late last month, Marriott International, Inc. entered into a Consent Decree with the FCC to resolve a violation of Section 310(d) of the Communications Act.
Background. In September 2016, Marriott acquired StarwoodHotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. The parties closed the transaction without obtaining the Commission’s prior consent to transfer control of 65 wireless
FCC to C-Band Satellites: File to Protect Existing Operations
The FCC has established deadlines for Fixed Satellite Service earth station licensees to certify the accuracy of all information on their current earth station license and provide the agency with additional details about existing operations. Earlier this year, the Commission sought comment on the feasibility of allowing commercial wireless services to use or share use
Revisiting 911 Network Reliability
In December 2013, the FCC adopted rules to improve 911 network reliability. The rules require Covered 911 Service Providers (“Providers”) to take certain measures to provide reliable 911 service. The specific measures adopted by the agency attempt to address three network vulnerabilities identified by the FCC in the aftermath of the derecho storm that knocked
FCC Priorities Under Republican Leadership
The nation watched President Trump take the oath of office last Friday. On the same day, but to considerably less fanfare, it was widely reported that President Trump would appoint Commissioner Ajit Pai as Chairman of the FCC. It became official on January 23, 2017.
Chairman Pai is joined by current Commissioners O’Reilly (a Republican) and Clyburn (a Democrat). The Republican majority should make it easier for Chairman Pai to quickly act on his priorities.
What are his priorities? To get a sense, we examine then-Commissioner Pai’s public statements in several high-profile – and sometimes contentious – FCC proceedings.
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Spectrum Frontiers Proposal
Last week, the FCC released a Fact Sheet outlining a draft Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking the Commission will vote on in July. The proposal would make additional licensed spectrum available in the 28, 37 and 39 GHz bands. It also would make 7 GHz of spectrum available for unlicensed use
Musicians and the FCC – Finally Singing from the Same (Accessible) Sheet of Music
Among entertainers, the FCC is seen as the self-righteous censor that levies high profile fines against a broadcaster for a “wardrobe malfunction,” or a radio station for playing a profane song. It’s no wonder Eminem complained that the FCC wouldn’t let him be!
But, the times they are a-changin. Earlier