1. Monthly archive
  2. May 2019

May 2019

Diane Rinaldo is Acting Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration

On May 9, 2019, Diane Rinaldo became Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information for the Department, and Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Executive Branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy. Previously, Rinaldo was the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at the Department of Commerce. Focusing on cybersecurity and technology policy, Rinaldo has extensive experience in government and the private sector throughout her career.

Reps Latta And Welch Introduce Bipartisan Broadband MAPS Act

Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the bipartisan Broadband Mapping After Scrutiny (MAPS) Act. The legislation would require the Federal Communications Commission to establish a challenge process to verify fixed and mobile broadband service coverage data. Current FCC broadband maps are inaccurate, showing coverage where it doesn’t exist. This leaves consumers without access to broadband and directs funding to the wrong areas.

Sponsor: 

Federal Communications Commission

Date: 
Wed, 06/12/2019 - 13:30 to Thu, 06/13/2019 - 21:00

A workshop for Tribal governments, Tribal employees, and Tribal members. This event is designed to provide information that will help Tribal Nations identify and evaluate opportunities to develop more robust broadband, telecommunications, and broadcast infrastructure and services in Tribal communities. It is also designed to provide information about the FCC and how it conducts its regulatory responsibilities, and to encourage Tribal participation in the regulatory process.


FCC Releases Report on Communication Impacts of Hurricane Michael

Hurricane Michael demonstrated starkly how some wireless providers in the Florida Panhandle were able to rebound from this devastating storm through foresight and appropriate planning, while others stalled in their efforts to restore full service. Some providers, working in the same area and facing the same challenges as others, were back in service considerably sooner than others. The poor level of service several days after landfall by some wireless providers cannot simply be attributed to unforeseeable circumstances specific to those providers.

Sponsor: 

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Department of Commerce

Date: 
Wed, 05/15/2019 - 19:00 to 20:00

State and local governments are developing new policies that provide access to rights-of-way and leverage assets in order to incentivize broadband deployment. While it is in the public’s interest to speed up access to broadband, it is a balancing act. Policymakers need to consider cost, aesthetics, digital equity, and environmental mandates. Join BroadbandUSA and learn how local, state, and federal leaders are creating broadband access all.

Speakers:


FCC Acts to Improve Video Relay Service & Expand Options for Users

The Federal Communications Commission adopted new rules to improve Video Relay Service (VRS), which enables people with hearing and speech disabilities who use sign language to make telephone calls over broadband with a videophone. The FCC also takes steps to safeguard the program from waste, fraud, and abuse. Today’s action will expand VRS users’ access to direct video communications with people who know sign language by enabling direct video calling between VRS users and customer support call centers in appropriate circumstances.

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