Public Notice

The Federal Communications Commission (Commission) intends to establish a Federal Advisory Committee, known as the ‘‘Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States." The FCC intends to establish the charter on or before December 19, 2019, providing the Task Force with authorization to operate for two years. In consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, and in collaboration with public and private stakeholders in the agriculture and technology fields, the purpose of the Task Force is to:

We uphold the 2018 Order, with two exceptions. First, the Court concludes that the Federal Communications Commission has not shown legal authority to issue its Preemption Directive, which would have barred states from imposing any rule or requirement that the FCC “repealed or decided to refrain from imposing” in the Order or that is “more stringent” than the Order. 2018 Order ¶ 195. The Court accordingly vacates that portion of the Order.

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) announced the launch of the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier for all new enrollments in Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Starting on October 23, 2019, eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) in these eleven states will be required to use the National Verifier’s eligibility determination process for all consumers applying for Lifeline service and must cease using legacy eligibility processes for prospective Lifeline subscribers.

The Federal Communications Commission announced the creation of its first two Innovation Zones, in New York City and Salt Lake City. These Innovation Zones will be city-scale test beds for advanced wireless communications and network research, including 5G networks. These wireless technology test beds extend the geographic areas in which already-licensed experimental program licensees can conduct tests.

The Federal Communications Commission approved the sale of Tribune Media Company broadcast stations to Nexstar Media Group, Inc. In connection with this transaction, the FCC also approved the divestiture to Scripps Broadcast Holdings, LLC; TEGNA Broadcast Holdings, LLC; and CCB License, LLC of broadcast stations in certain markets necessary for Nexstar to come into compliance with the FCC’s local and national television ownership rules.

The Federal Communications Commission authorized over $4.9 billion in support over the next decade for maintaining, improving, and expanding affordable rural broadband for 455,334 homes and businesses served by 171 carriers in 39 states and American Samoa, including 44,243 locations on Tribal lands. The support is targeted to smaller rural carriers, traditionally known as “rate-of-return” carriers.

The Federal Communications Commission authorized nearly $16.2 million in federal funding over the next decade to expand broadband to 8,088 unserved rural New York homes and businesses, the second round of matching funds being provided in a partnership with the state’s New NY Broadband Program. The New York federal funding applications authorized today are as follows:

The Federal Communications Commission authorized over $121 million in funding over the next decade to expand broadband to 36,579 unserved rural homes and businesses in 16 states, representing the fourth wave of support from 2018’s successful Connect America Fund Phase II auction. The FCC has already authorized three waves of funding in May, June, and July. Aug 12's action brings total authorized funding to over $924 million, expanding connectivity to 342,097 homes and businesses; additional rounds will be authorized in the coming months.

By this Public Notice, the Federal Communications Commission announces that Gov Doug Ducey (R-AZ), Chair of the FCC’s Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC), has named Ben Blink, Policy Advisor, Transportation and Technology Innovation, as his new designee to the IAC, replacing Kirk Adams, prior designee. The IAC provides guidance, expertise, and recommendations to specific requests from the FCC on a range of issues affecting local, state, and Tribal governments that are within the jurisdiction of the FCC.
 

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau seeks comment on the proposed eligible services list (ESL) for the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism (more commonly known as the E-Rate program) for funding year 2020. The Bureau invites stakeholders to comment on any aspect of the proposed FY2020 ESL.