Federal Communications Commission
FCC Announces $13.4 Million Settlement with Major Lifeline Provider
The Federal Communications Commission announced that the FCC and Department of Justice (DOJ) have reached a $13.4 million settlement with TracFone Wireless in connection with violations of FCC Lifeline program rules. Specifically, the settlement resolves allegations that TracFone violated the False Claims Act by signing up more than 175,000 ineligible customers for the Lifeline program during 2012-2015 and that the false claims resulted from TracFone’s lax oversight and monitoring of its Lifeline program.
FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Announces Staff Changes
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced additions to her leadership team. As of mid-April, Narda Jones will return to the FCC and assume the role of Chief of Staff. Priscilla Delgado Argeris will now serve as Chief Legal Advisor.
FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System Undergoes Initial Upgrades
The Federal Communications Commission announced that its Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) has undergone a system upgrade which will help enable expanded features and functions to be introduced into ECFS in the coming year. The update transitions ECFS to a cloud-based platform, which will make the system scalable and more agile. In addition, reCAPTCHA functionality has been added to the system. This first phase of the multi-phase ECFS upgrade effort will enable development of new functions that take advantage of the upgraded technology platform.
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.