Press Release
Scoring a Victory for 5G
When it comes to 5G, we need to keep the playbook fresh and forward leaning. So at our July 12 meeting, the Federal Communications Commission will take another step to ensure that America continues to lead the world in mobile innovation. Headlining the agenda at the FCC’s July meeting is a proposal to make more intensive use of mid-band spectrum from 3.7 to 4.2 GHz, commonly called the C-band. Another area in which the FCC has made substantial progress but must not stand still is emergency alerting.
Benton Welcomes New Senior Fellow and Public Advocate Gigi Sohn
Benton Foundation Executive Director Adrianne B. Furniss named Gigi Sohn Benton Senior Fellow and Public Advocate. Furniss said, “The Benton Foundation is honored to support the ongoing work of one of the nation’s leading public advocates for open, affordable, and democratic communications networks.
Letter from FCC Commissioner O'Rielly on Guam 911 Fee Diversion
On June 20, 2018, Federal Communications Commissioner Michael O'Rielly wrote to Gov Eddie Calvo (R-Guam) regarding 911 fee diversion. "I am writing to follow-up on my Feb 20, 2018 letter inquiring on your territories' 9-1-1 fee diversion practices....As of today, four months later, my office has not received a response from you or your office...The citizens of Guam rely on the 9-1-1 system to work in their most dire times of need. It is beyond disappointing to learn that your territory has made a habit of diverting these funds for other purposes.
Letter from Commissioner O'Rielly on Rhode Island 911 Fee Diversion
On June 15, 2018, Federal Communications Commissioner Michael O'Rielly wrote to Gov Gina Raimondo (D-RI) and Rhode Island General Assembly Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello (D-RI-15) to follow-up on the issue of 9-1-1 fee diversion. He wrote, "To put it bluntly, your state is diverting 60 percent of the funds intended and necessary for public safety purposes to your general fund, and no amount of relabeling will resolve this reality...I am writing, again, to implore you to end Rhode Island's fee diversion practices."
Letter from Commissioner O'Rielly on New Mexico 911 Fee Diversion
On June 19, 2018, Federal Communications Commissioner Michael O'Rielly wrote to Charles Salle, Deputy Director of the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee. He was responding to a phone call Commissioner O'Rielly received addressing why the state of NM diverted 9-1-1 fees in 2016.
California Lawmakers Combine State Net Neutrality Bills to Unify Effort
California State Senators Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) announced that they are joining their respective network neutrality bills - SB 822 (Wiener) and SB 460 (de Leon) - to form one unified legislative effort to pass strong net neutrality protections in California . The two bills are being formally linked to one another so that both must be signed into law for either to take effect.
FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection Staff Submits Comment on Internet of Things and Consumer Product Hazards
In a comment to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) about potential safety issues associated with Internet-connected consumer products, staff of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP) warned that poorly secured Internet of Things (IoT) devices could pose a consumer safety hazard and outlined ways to mitigate such risks. BCP Staff submitted a response to the CPSC as part of the agency’s Request for Comments on potential safety issues and hazards associated with Internet-connected consumer products.
Chairman Pai's Rural Health Care Proposal Receives Majority Support
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai announced that a majority of Commissioners have voted in favor of his proposal to increase funding for the Universal Service Fund’s Rural Health Care Program by $171 million a year. “Telemedicine is vital in many communities that may not otherwise have access to high-quality health care, and the Federal Communications Commission has an important role in promoting it. I want to thank Commissioners O’Rielly and Carr for their support as the FCC takes the critical step of updating its Rural Health Care Program.
SMART IoT Act Heads to Commerce Committee for Consideration
The Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, chaired by Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), advanced by voice vote H.R. 6032, the SMART IoT Act, to the full committee for consideration. The SMART IoT Act, authored by Subcommittee Chairman Latta and Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT), will direct the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study on the state of the internet-connected devices industry.
House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Advances Bills
The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, chaired by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), advanced bills to the full committee that improve the nation’s broadband infrastructure and strengthen public safety communications.