Federal Communications Commission
FCC Proposes Update To E-Rate Rules To Promote Participation Of Tribal Libraries
The Federal Communications Commission proposed revisions to the definition of library in the E-Rate program rules to clarify that Tribal libraries are eligible to participate in the program. Some Tribal libraries have been unable to receive support from the program, which provides discounts on broadband services to schools and libraries, because they did not meet the outdated definition of a library in the FCC’s rules.
FCC Seeks Comment on How to Improve Communications Reliability During Disasters
The Federal Communications Commission launched a rulemaking proceeding to improve the reliability of communications networks and help ensure that the public can communicate when disasters strike. Disaster recovery efforts in the wireless industry are currently supported by the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework, a voluntary industry agreement to promote resilient communications and situational awareness during disasters through roaming agreements, mutual aid, and other measures.
FCC Seeks Comment on Spectrum Requirements for the Internet of Things
The Federal Communications Commission seeks comment on issues related to spectrum for the Internet of Things, as directed by Congress in the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA).
FCC Seeks Comment on Promoting Public Safety Use of 4.9 GHz Band
The Federal Communications Commission took action to protect public safety operations in the 4.9 GHz spectrum band and to move towards establishment of a nationwide, coordinated framework that would emphasize public safety needs while increasing overall use of the band and putting public safety on a path to 5G. In 2002, the FCC designated the 4.9 GHz band for public safety operations. In October 2020, the FCC adopted a state-by-state leasing framework that would have allowed states to take this prime mid-band spectrum away from public safety.
FCC Requests 6 GHz Automated Frequency Coordination Proposals
To keep pace with increasing wireless connectivity demands, the Federal Communications Commission continuously examines spectrum needs and tries to ensure that our rules enable spectrum users to conduct their business and everyday activities. In adopting the 6 GHz Report and Order, the FCC expanded spectrum access for unlicensed devices to promote competition, innovation, and more widespread and robust connectivity. The new rules made broad swaths of the 6 GHz band (5.925–7.125 GHz) available for unlicensed broadband operations.
FCC Announces Second Set of Awards for COVID-19 Telehealth Program Round 2
The Federal Communications Commission approved an additional 72 applications for funding commitments totaling $41,113,186 for Round 2 of its COVID-19 Telehealth Program. This is the FCC’s second funding announcement of approved applications following the nearly $42 million awarded on August 26 to healthcare providers in each state, territory, and the District of Columbia.
FCC Opens Second Filing Window for Emergency Connectivity Fund
The second application filing window for the Federal Communications Commission's $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund is open from September 28 to October 13, 2021. The FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund, established by the American Rescue Plan of 2021, will help provide relief to millions of students, school staff, and library patrons and help close the Homework Gap for students who currently lack necessary internet access or the devices they need to connect to classrooms.
More Than 6 Million Households Enroll in Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the FCC has enrolled over six million low-income households into the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, the US’s largest broadband affordability program. Since mid-May 2021 millions of families who previously could not get online or struggled to pay for this modern-day necessity are now connected. The temporary subsidy program initiated by Congress provides discounts of $50 (and up to $75 on Tribal lands) to qualifying households on their monthly internet bill, and some Emergency Broadband Benefit provider
Acting FCC Chair Rosenworcel Announces Staff Changes
Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced senior staff changes to the Office of Managing Director and the Office of Communications Business Opportunities (OCBO). Sanford S. Williams will assume a senior leadership position in the Office of Managing Director as Deputy Managing Director. Williams will continue to serve as a Special Advisor to Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel with a focus on agency efforts to identify and expand opportunities for communities that have been historically underserved. Joy M.