Federal Communications Commission

In late 2023, Sens Shelley Capito (R-WV) and John Kennedy (R-LA) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel expressing concerns about the FCC's pole attachment proceedings. In January 2024, Chairwoman Rosenworcel responded, elaborating on what action the FCC has taken to improve the pole attachment process, including the establishment of the new Rapid Broadband Assessment Team.

The Federal Communications Commission’s Enforcement Bureau announced senior staff appointments, adding officials with significant experience and expertise in national security, foreign investment, privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, and consumer and civil litigation matters.

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced changes to her leadership team. At the conclusion of the January Open Meeting, Chairwoman Rosenworcel announced the formal departure of Deena Shetler from her team. Sanford Williams will serve as Deputy Chief of staff. Williams has worked in various roles at the FCC since 1999. Most recently he served as a Special Advisor to the Chairwoman and Deputy Managing Director in the Office of Managing Director.

On Dec 12, 2023, Sen Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel requesting input on proposals to modify the contribution base for the Universal Service Fund (USF).

The Federal Communications Commission adopted updates to its rules for the 70, 80, and 90 GHz spectrum bands to facilitate broadband access on ships and aircrafts, in addition to backhaul service for 5G.  This action will promote the efficient use of spectrum and will provide opportunities for the development of new broadband service options. The Report and Order establishes new rules and updates existing rules for the 7176 GHz, 81–86 GHz, 92–94 GHz, and 94.1–95 GHz bands.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) appoints the Commissioners Nathan Simington and Anna Gomez to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (Universal Service Joint Board) and the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations (Separations Joint Board). In addition, Commissioners Simington and Gomez are members of the Federal-State Joint Conference on Advanced Services (Advanced Services Joint Conference) by virtue of their positions on the FCC. Commissioner Gomez shall further serve as the federal chair of the Universal Service Joint Board and the Advance

Federal Communications Commissioner Anna Gomez announced the permanent appointment of several individuals who will serve her office. 

The Federal Communications Commission adopted an Order on Reconsideration addressing petitions regarding the Commission’s orbital debris mitigation rules. One of the biggest threats to new space-based innovation and services is abandoned space junk that can collide with the satellites we rely on. The Order on Reconsideration provides clarity and guidance to satellite operators on compliance with orbital debris mitigation policies adopted in 2020.

On January 25, the Commission will convene its first open meeting of the new year. We already have plans to build on this forward momentum for 2024. Here’s what’s on the agenda for our February open meeting.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced its intent to recharter the World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee (WAC-27), subject to the approval of the General Services Administration (GSA), and further solicits applications for membership. WAC-27's mission is to provide to the FCC advice, technical support, and recommended proposals for the International Telecommunication Union World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs).