Federal Communications Commission

Chairwoman Rosenworcel responds to House members on broadband information labels

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Rosenworcel sent letters to 29 House members in response to their letter on implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provision requiring internet providers share details about their plans with consumers in an easy-to-read format. Chairwoman Rosenworcel said that on Jan. 27, 2022, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on broadband information labels, and the FCC is holding public hearings on the importance of developing these labels.

Chairwoman Rosenworcel responds to Rep Mrvan on improving veterans access to broadband

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Rosenworcel sent a letter to Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-IN) in response to his letter on the efforts of the FCC to collect more precise and reliable broadband deployment data, and urging the FCC to include veterans in the FCC’s data collection and reporting. Chairwoman Rosenworcel said when the FCC completes its initial efforts to improve broadband data collection, veterans across the country will have better access to information about what services are available where they live.

FCC Seeks Comment on Affordable Connectivity Program Petition Filed by Competitive Carriers Association

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on the petition filed by Competitive Carriers Association seeking a temporary waiver of the FCC’s rules that would provide an additional 60 days from April 15, 2022 for providers to apply the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit to all plans. While CCA’s member companies who participate in the ACP have worked diligently to be ready for the April 15 deadline, the deadline has not provided enough time for all members to make the n

FCC Announces April Open Meeting Agenda

The Federal Communications Commission has announced its April 2022 Open Meeting Agenda. The following are on the agenda for the FCC:
  • Innovative spectrum management:  The FCC will consider an inquiry on how receiver improvements could provide greater opportunities for efficient use of spectrum. It would also seek comment on legal authority and market-based mechanisms that could help create a more transparent and predictable radiofrequency environment for all spectrum users.

Making History Together

Last week, I had the honor of hosting the Federal Communications Bar Association’s virtual Celebration—their first ever event headlined by a Chairwoman. For me, this was a big deal. Not only because it was an opportunity to have a laugh with colleagues, but as the first permanent female Chair of the FCC, having this event during Women’s History Month was an opportunity to highlight and mark the importance of women’s participation and representation across all of our work.

FCC Releases its 2021 Annual Performance Report

The Federal Communications Commission has released its Annual Performance Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. The report details the FCC's efforts in 2021 under four main goals: closing the digital divide, promoting innovation, protecting consumers and public safety, and reforming the FCC's processes. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel highlights the FCC's actions over the course of 2021, stating, "During FY 2021, the Commission mounted an extraordinary response to a historic crisis.

FCC and NTIA Leaders Hold Inaugural Monthly Meeting

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Assistant Secretary of Commerce Alan Davidson met on March 29 to discuss spectrum policy efforts, the first monthly FCC/NTIA coordination meeting since the leaders launched their Spectrum Coordination Initiative. The leaders also announced that they have launched a joint task force which met this week to begin discussing the details of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the agencies.

FCC Submits Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2023

On March 28, the Federal Communications Commission presented its fiscal year 2023 budget request. The budget request will be used to support the following Strategic Goals:

FCC Extends Prior COVID Lifeline Program Waivers to June 30, 2022

In response to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, the Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau has waived certain Lifeline program rules in ten previous Orders to provide necessary relief for low-income households. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt by many Americans. The importance of access to affordable communications services for low-income consumers has been underscored by the pandemic and its long-lasting impact.

FCC Expands Covered List of Equipment and Services That Pose Security Threat

The Federal Communications Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau added equipment and services from three entities – AO Kaspersky Lab, China Telecom (Americas) Corp, and China Mobile International USA Inc. – to its list of communications equipment and services that have been deemed a threat to national security, consistent with requirements in the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019.

FCC Announces Third Application Window And New Emergency Connectivity Fund Commitments

The Federal Communications Commission announced that it is opening a third application filing window to award at least $1 billion in Emergency Connectivity Fund support. The third application filing window will open on April 28, 2022 and close on May 13, 2022. During this third application filing window, eligible schools and libraries can submit requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and services between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023.

FCC Announces Final Group of Connected Care Pilot Program Projects

The Federal Communications Commission announced its fourth and final set of approved Connected Care Pilot Program projects. These 16 projects were approved for a total of $29,752,601 in funding. With the newly selected projects, the Connected Care Pilot Program is set to fund 107 projects serving patients in 40 states plus Washington (DC). The following projects were approved by the FCC:

FCC Revokes Pacific Networks' And ComNet's Authority To Provide Telecom Services In America

The Federal Communications Commission adopted an Order ending the ability of Pacific Networks Corp and its wholly-owned subsidiary, ComNet, to provide domestic interstate and international telecommunications services within the United States. The Order on Revocation and Termination directs the companies to discontinue any domestic or international services that they provide pursuant to their section 214 authority within sixty days following the release of this Order.

FCC Seeks Input on How to Combat Digital Discrimination

The Federal Communications Commission opened a proceeding on how to prevent and eliminate digital discrimination to ensure that everyone has equal access to broadband internet access service. The Notice asks for comment on how to implement provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that require the FCC to combat digital discrimination, and to promote equal access to broadband across the country, regardless of income level, ethnicity, race, religion, or national origin.Specifically, the FCC seeks input on the following questions:

FCC Seeks Input on Resolving Disputes Over Costs for Pole Replacements

The Federal Communications Commission issued a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on establishing clear standards for how utilities and attachers must share in the cost of pole replacements. Specifically, the FCC seeks comment on the following:

Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Support Authorized for 5,223 Winning Bids

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau—in conjunction with the Rural Broadband Auctions Task Force and the Office of Economics and Analytics—authorize Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (Auction 904) support. For these winning bids, the FCC has reviewed the long-form application information, including the letter(s) of credit and Bankruptcy Code opinion letter(s) from the long-form applicant’s legal counsel.