April 2018

FCC Proposes Prohibiting Universal Service Spending On Equipment And Services From Companies That Pose National Security Threats

The Federal Communications Commission is proposing to help protect the security of the nation’s communications networks through its stewardship of the over $8.5 billion a year Universal Service Fund (USF). The FCC is seeking comment on a proposal to prohibit use of USF funds on the purchase of equipment or services from any company that poses a national security threat to the integrity of US communications networks or the communications supply chain. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking also seeks comment on a number of issues, including:

Statement Of Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel On The Security Of Telecommunications Networks

Today the Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on a rule to prohibit the future use of Universal Service Funds to purchase equipment or services from providers identified as posing a national security risk. Congress has repeatedly expressed concern about the potential for supply chain vulnerability to undermine national security, and I will vote to approve. But our communications networks face other security threats that we cannot continue to ignore.

FCC Begins Process For Spectrum Frontiers Auctions

The Federal Communications Commission adopted a Public Notice seeking comment on proposed application and bidding procedures for the auctions of the 28 GHz and 24 GHz spectrum bands.

FCC Takes New Steps To Improve Rural Call Completion

The Federal Communications Commission adopted new measures to tackle the problem of failed or poor-quality long-distance calls to rural parts of the United States. 

FCC Proposes Modernizing Rules For Smaller Carriers' Business Data Services

The Federal Communications Commission proposed modernizing rules governing business data services (BDS) for certain small rural carriers, known as Alternative Connect America Model, or A-CAM, carriers. 

FCC Proposes To Eliminate Local-Office Channel Lineup Requirement For Cable Operators

The Federal Communications Commission proposed to eliminate a rule adopted in 1972 that requires cable operators to maintain at their local office a current listing of the cable television channels that each cable system delivers to its subscribers.