Public Notice

Establishment of the Office of Economics and Analytics. This action is taken to enhance the role of economic analysis, the design and implementation of auctions, and the use and management of data at the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC determined that the proper dispatch of its business and the public interest will be served by creating an Office of Economics and Analytics. In the Order, the FCC amended its Rules to reflect the new organizational structure, describe the Office’s functions and delegated authority, and make other conforming changes.

In response to a request from Representative Frank Pallone, Jr.

The Federal Communications Commission will accept nominations for the eighth Chairman’s Awards for Advancement in Accessibility (Chairman’s AAA). The nomination period opens on Dec 1, 2018 and continues through Feb 28, 2019 for products, services, technologies or practices introduced to the public between Jan 1, 2018 and Dec 31, 2018. Nominations may be submitted for the development of new mainstream or assistive technologies introduced into the marketplace, the development of standards, or the implementation of best practices that further accessibility.

The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) controls the export of dual-use and less sensitive military items through the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), including the Commerce Control List (CCL). As controls on exports of technology are a key component of the effort to protect sensitive U.S. technology, many sensitive technologies are listed on the CCL, often consistent with the lists maintained by the multilateral export control regimes of which the United States is a member.

Staff from the Federal Trade Commission responded to the Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Request for Comment on “Developing the Administration’s Approach to Consumer Privacy.” The comments outline the agency’s experience protecting consumers’ privacy through enforcement, education, and policy work.

The s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau is seeking public comment to better inform its understanding and awareness of stakeholders’ readiness, preparation, and response with respect to Hurricane Michael. The bureau has a number of questions concerning: 1) Service Provider Preparation and Response, 2) Improvements to FCC Response, and 3) Communications Service User Experience. Comments are due December 17, 2018. (PS Docket No. 18-339)

The United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2019 for the Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees Program. RUS is accepting applications on a rolling basis throughout FY 2019. This will give RUS the ability to request additional information and modifications to a submitted application whenever necessary. Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to update the national broadband availability map in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission and the states. NTIA is to acquire and display available third-party data sets to the extent it is able to negotiate its inclusion to augment data from the FCC, other federal government agencies, state government, and the private sector. NTIA intends to collect broadband availability data at a more granular level than that available via the FCC Form 477 process.

President Donald Trump directed the Secretary of Commerce to work with agencies and policymakers on all levels to develop a National Spectrum Strategy to guide our country’s spectrum policy in the years to come. The Strategy will examine how to improve spectrum management and assess research and development priorities to create new technologies and improve United States competitiveness. The Strategy will provide a comprehensive roadmap for policymakers on all levels so that we can successfully lead the way to a connected future.

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau announces that effective November 2, 2018, the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (National Verifier) will fully launch in the initial six participating states—Colorado, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.