Public Notice
FCC Announces Over $311 Million for Broadband, Acts to Clean Up Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Program
The Federal Communications Commission is ready to authorize over $311 million in broadband funding across 36 states through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. At the same time, the agency took steps to clean up issues with the program’s design originating from its adoption in 2020. For now, 48 broadband providers will bring 1 Gbps broadband speeds to nearly 200,000 homes and businesses over the next 10 years. But in light of complaints that the program was poised to fund broadband to parking lots and well-served urban areas, the FCC sent letters to 197 winning bidders.
FCC Grants C-Band Spectrum Licenses
The Federal Communications Commission made additional mid-band spectrum available for 5G service in the United States. Specifically, the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announced the grant of 5,676 licenses in the 3.7 GHz service (3.7 to 3.98 GHz, also referred to as the C-band) following completion of Auction 107 earlier in 2021. The action keeps the transition of this band to flexible use on track, paving the way for carriers to use this spectrum to provide 5G and other advanced wireless services.
FCC Re-Establishes the Technological Advisory Council and Solicits Nominations for Membership
The Federal Communications Commission is re-establishing the Technological Advisory Council on or before August 20, 2021 for a period of two years, with an expected first meeting in October of 2021.The FCC seeks nominations for membership and a chairperson. The TAC provides technical advice to the Commission and makes recommendations on the issues and questions presented to it. Among other issues, Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel will ask the TAC to start looking beyond 5G and conceptualize 6G, to help set the stage for U.S. leadership.
FCC Announces County Conditional Forbearance from Lifeline
The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau announces the counties in which conditional forbearance from the obligation to offer Lifeline-supported voice service applies, pursuant to the Commission’s 2016 Lifeline Order. This forbearance applies only to the Lifeline voice obligation of eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) that are designated for purposes of receiving both high-cost and Lifeline support, and not to Lifeline-only ETCs. The Bureau identifies the counties in which certain competitive conditions are met. In particular, the FCC grants forbearance fr
Emergency Connectivity Fund Service Delivery Deadline
The Wireline Competition Bureau established June 30, 2022 as the service delivery date for equipment and other non-recurring services funding requests filed during the initial application filing window of the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program, if the equipment or services have not been received at the time the funding request is made.
FCC-NTIA Joint Coordination Procedure Notice on 3.45-3.55 GHz
The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a joint Public Notice to provide information about the cooperative sharing framework for federal and non-federal coordination in certain defined areas where and when federal incumbents require continued access in the 3.45–3.55 GHz band. The notice provides information and guidance on the overall coordination process, as contemplated by the 3.45 GHz Band 2d R&O.
FCC Seeks Input on Mobile Challenge, Verification Technical Requirements
The Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB), the Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA), and the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) are implementing the requirements of the Broadband DATA Act to improve the FCC's data on broadband availability. To implement the Broadband DATA Act’s requirements and obtain better mobile broadband availability data, these Bureau and Offices are developing: (1) technical requirements for a challenge process that will enable consumers and other third parties to dispute service providers’ coverage data; (2) a process
Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy
President Biden is taking decisive action to reduce the trend of corporate consolidation, increase competition, and deliver concrete benefits to America’s consumers, workers, farmers, and small businesses. This Executive Order established a whole-of-government effort to promote competition in the American economy. The Order includes 72 initiatives by more than a dozen federal agencies to promptly tackle some of the most pressing competition problems across our economy. Once implemented, these initiatives will result in concrete improvements to people’s lives. The Order tackles four issues t
FCC Seeks Nominations for Communications Equity and Diversity Council
The Federal Communications Commission is seeking nominations for membership on the Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC).
FCC Reinstates Media Ownership Rules
On June 4, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission's Media Bureau released an order, consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in FCC v.