To speed deployment of wireless broadband to the nation’s communities, the FCC created a Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee (BDAC) charged with drafting model codes to govern the relationship between wireless carriers and states and local jurisdictions. However, what may be a “model” for carriers looking to speed broadband deployment and maximize profits is not being
FCC Streamlines Wireless Environmental Review Process—Part 2
Update: the FCC decision described in these two articles was reversed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in August 2019. The Court summarized its conclusion as:
We grant in part the petitions for review because the Order does not justify the Commission’s determination that it was not in the public
FCC Streamlines Wireless Environmental Review Process—Part 1
Update: the FCC decision described in these two articles was reversed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in August 2019. The Court summarized its conclusion as:
We grant in part the petitions for review because the Order does not justify the Commission’s determination that it was not in the public
RF Exposure Limits–Signs of the Times—Part Three
This third entry on the FCC’s ongoing review of RF exposure limits highlights the Notice of Inquiry that focuses on possible changes to the current RF exposure limits.
The NOI reiterates that the current exposure limits were adopted in 1996 and while expressing confidence in these limits, the NOI observes that intervening research studies, the
RF Exposure Limits–Signs of the Times—Part Two
Part One of this series summarized the FCC’s long-pending proceeding and initial set of decisions on human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) fields. Generally, the more complicated and difficult decisions were deferred. In light of Chairman Pai’s commitments to Congress, we expect the FCC to resolve at least some of the remaining issues in 2018. Let
RF Exposure Limits–Signs of the Times—Part One
This is the first entry of three regarding the FCC’s ongoing proceeding addressing human exposure to radio-frequency (RF) fields. Although the FCC proceeding has been pending for some time, Chairman Pai has informed Congress that further action is a Commission priority. Thus, we expect the FCC to adopt one or more orders in this proceeding
Is the Road to 5G Paved with Federal and State Pre-emptions of Local Authority?
Many in the wireless industry are aware of the FCC rulemaking proceeding proposing regulatory changes to streamline the expansion of wireless infrastructure (WT Docket 17-79). A basic premise of this proceeding is the tremendous potential of 5G wireless technology and the increased capacity needs and vast expansion of infrastructure supporting wireless networks that will be
Time to Refresh FCC Forms 499-A/Q
Updated May 2, 2018
Trends in wireline and mobile services strongly suggest a refresh to the FCC Forms 499-A/Q is warranted. A shift to fewer revenue buckets (reporting categories and lines) consistent with the major services currently being offered to customers could reduce the time for services providers to prepare Forms 499-A, assist USAC staff
Two-for-One Deregulation at the FCC?
On January 30, President Trump signed an Executive Order on Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs. The Executive Order sets out a number of related concepts focused limiting Federal regulations, including a “Regulatory Cap” that is implemented through three inter-related provisions
- “Section 2(a): Unless prohibited by law, whenever an executive department or agency (agency)
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.
Continue Reading FCC Priorities Under Republican Leadership