Public Notice

FCC authorizes over $18 billion in Enhanced A-CAM support to expand rural broadband

The Federal Communications Commission authorized 368 rate-of-return companies in 44 states that elected offers of Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (Enhanced A-CAM) support to receive model-based support. The authorizations specify support to the electing companies for a 15-year period beginning January 1, 2024, in exchange for these companies committing to deploy broadband service of at least 100/20 Megabits per second (Mbps) service to over 700,000 unserved locations across the United States, and maintain or improve existing 100/20 Mbps service to approximately 2 million loc

FCC Seeks Additional Comment on Adding Wi-Fi on School Buses to Proposed Eligible Services List for the E-Rate Program

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau seeks additional comment on the proposed eligible services list (ESL) for the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism (more commonly known as the E-Rate program) for funding year (FY) 2024. On September 12, 2023, the Bureau released a Public Notice seeking comment on the proposed ESL for FY 2024. Subsequently, on October 19, 2023, the FCC adopted a Declaratory Ruling regarding Wi-Fi on school buses.

Ofcom revises its guidance on how ‘net neutrality’ rules should apply in the UK

The United Kingdom's current net neutrality rules are set out in legislation. Any changes to the rules in future would be a matter for Government and Parliament. Ofcom is responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the rules and providing guidance on how ISPs should follow them. In 2021 Ofcom started a review of net neutrality. The review has found that, in general, it has worked well and supported consumer choice as well as enabling content providers to deliver their content and services to consumers.

FCC to Vote on Rules to Prevent and Eliminate Digital Discrimination

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Rosenworcel is proposing final rules to prevent discrimination in access to broadband services based on income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, and national origin. The rules will be voted on by the full Commission at its November 15 Open Commission Meeting. If adopted, they would establish a balanced framework to facilitate equal access to broadband internet service by preventing digital discrimination. Under these rules, the FCC could protect consumers by:

FCC Seeks Partners to Test Delivering Wireless Alerts During Outages

The Federal Communications Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau seeks to partner with any entities that have a solution for delivering Wireless Emergency Alerts to mobile devices that are not connected to functioning cell towers. The Bureau asked interested parties to submit detailed information about their solution, including whether it would work with mobile devices currently in use by consumers, how to address any issues with delivering geographically targeted alerts, and how best testing should be conducted.

FCC Seeks Comment on Petitions Seeking Reconsideration Of The Restoring Internet Freedom Remand Order

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on petitions for reconsideration of the Restoring Internet Freedom (RIF) Remand Order filed by Common Cause, INCOMPAS, Public Knowledge, and the County of Santa Clara. The petitioners request that the FCC reconsider its decision in the RIF Remand Order, reverse or vacate that Order, and initiate a rulemaking proceeding to address the concerns raised by the DC Court of Appeals pertaining to the 2018 RIF Order. In addition to the issues raised in the petitions, the FCC invites comment on how the issues under con

Chairwoman to Host Incarcerated People's Communications Services Listening Session in Chicago, Illinois

On October 27, 2023, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Rosenworcel will host a listening session in Chicago (IL) to hear from formerly incarcerated people and their loved ones about their experiences using incarcerated people's communications services (IPCS). Participants will explain the critical importance of affordable communications services to incarcerated people, as the FCC works to implement the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 (Martha Wright-Reed Act).

BEAD program Initial Proposal Progress Dashboard

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration's new dashboard allows anyone to track how Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program Eligible Entities are progressing through the major milestones necessary to submit their Initial Proposal by the December 27, 2023 due date.

FCC Extends Current Native Nations Communications Task Force and Seeks Nominations For Tribal Government Representatives To Serve on Renewed Task Force Beginning in 2024

The Federal Communications Commission announced an extension of the term of the current Native Nations Communications Task Force until the end of 2023. The current term—which was set to expire on October 24, 2023—will now expire on December 31, 2023. The FCC is also seeking applications for membership to serve on a renewed Task Force to start at the beginning of 2024. Applications should be submitted in accordance with the procedures outlined here.

FCC To Hold Open Commission Meeting Thursday, October 19, 2023

The Federal Communications Commission will hold an Open Meeting on Thursday, October 19, 2023. The FCC will consider:

FCC Commissioner Carr Releases a Fact Sheet on "President Biden's Internet Plan"

Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr released a fact sheet discussing the reclassification of broadband as a Title II telecommunications service. "Following President Biden’s call for the FCC to apply utility-style controls to the Internet under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934, the Federal Communications Commission announced it will begin implementing that plan at its October 19 Open Commission Meeting," said the memo.

FCC Announces Carriers that have accepted Enhanced A-CAM Support

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) announced carriers that have accepted offers of model-based Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) support. Carriers were required to elect such support on a state-by-state basis by Friday, September 29, 2023 by submitting an election letter to the Bureau.

FCC Takes First Space Debris Enforcement Action

The Federal Communications Commission's Enforcement Bureau settled an investigation into DISH for its failure to properly de-orbit its EchoStar-7 satellite. This marks a first in space debris enforcement by the FCC, which has stepped up its satellite policy efforts, including establishing the Space Bureau and implementing its Space Innovation Agenda.

FCC Announces Measures to Strengthen Integrity for Affordable Connectity Program Service

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau took additional measures to ensure that providers are receiving reimbursement from the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for fully subsidized service only for households using their service, as required by the FCC’s rules.

FCC Announces Major ACP Provider Voluntarily Repaid Nearly $50 Million, Issues Advisory Provider Compliance With Program Rules

The Federal Communications Commission’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced that, following its investigation, a major Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provider has voluntarily repaid $49.4 million that it improperly claimed between June 2021 and July 2022. The provider disclosed its improper claims and repaid the monies after OIG sent the provider a warning letter and requested that the provider explain its claims data which indicated noncompliance with program usage requirements.

Kids Online Health and Safety Request for Comment

Preventing and mitigating any adverse health effects from use of online platforms on minors, while preserving benefits such platforms have on minors’ health and well-being, are critical priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration.

Possible Revision or Elimination of FCC Rules

The Federal Communication Commission invites the general public to comment on the Commission’s rules to be reviewed pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980. The purpose of the review is to determine whether rules that the FCC adopted in calendar years 2007–2012 should be continued without change, amended, or rescinded in order to minimize any significant impact the rule(s) may have on a substantial number of small entities.

FCC seeks comment on mobile spectrum holdings policies

AT&T filed a petition for rulemaking asking that the Federal Communications Commission establish a mid-band spectrum screen. As a broader development relating to competition policy, AT&T points to the July 2021 issuance by President Biden of an Executive Order that encouraged the FCC to consider actions to promote competition, including specifically to avoid excessive concentration of spectrum license holdings in the United States.

FCC Seeks Comment on 3.45 GHz Relocation Payment Clearinghouse

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on whether Summit Ridge Group, the Reimbursement Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) selected by a committee of stakeholders in the 3.45-3.55 GHz band (3.45 GHz Band), satisfies the criteria established by the FCC in the 3.45 GHz Second Report and Order and the Bureau in the 3.45 GHz Clearinghouse Selection Process Order. Following the comment period, the Bureau will issue an order announcing whether the selection criteria have been satisfied.

Treasury Seeks Comment on New Rules for Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Funds

The Secretary of the Treasury issued an interim final rule to implement the amendments made by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 with respect to the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund and the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act. Since the launch of the SLFRF program, Treasury has disbursed 99.99 percent of SLFRF funds to approximately 30,000 state, local, and ribal governments, and these recipients have moved swiftly to deploy this funding in their communities.

4th Quarter USF Contribution Factor is 34.5 percent

The  Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) submitted projections of demand and administrative expenses for federal universal service support mechanisms for the fourth quarter of 2023. The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau, in consultation with the FCC's Office of Managing Director, previously directed USAC to carry forward up to $211.50 million in unused funds from prior funding years to the extent necessary to satisfy funding year 2023 Rural Health Care program demand.

Request for Information on Implementation of the United States Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking information on behalf of the US Department of Commerce and the US Government to support the development of an implementation plan for the US Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology (USG NSSCET). The USG NSSCET is intended to support and complement existing private sector-led activities and plans, including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) United States Standards Strategy (USSS), with a focus on critical and emerging technology(ies) (CET). To inform the USG NSSCET implemen

FCC Announces 2nd Round of ACP Tribal Outreach Grant Program Awards

The Federal Communications Commission made final funding allocations for the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program (ACP Outreach Grant Program), and Tribal Competitive Outreach Program (TCOP) Round 2.

FCC Transitioning to New FOIA Solution on October 1

The Federal Communications Commission currently relies simultaneously on two online case management solutions: FOIA.gov available at https://www.foia.gov and FOIAonline.gov, available at https://foiaonline.gov/foiaonline/action/public/home. With the planned retirement of FOIAonline.gov by its host agency, the FCC will transition from FOIAonline to a new online case management solution beginning October 1, 2023.