FCC Announces Tentative Agenda For December Open Meeting

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski announced that the following items will be on the tentative agenda for the next open meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 12, 2012:

1. Enabling Spectrum Sharing and Small Cell Wireless Broadband Services in the 3.5 GHz Band: The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to broaden its initiatives in unleashing broadband spectrum, promoting technological innovation, and encouraging investment via the creation of a shared access broadband service in the 3550-3650 MHz band for small cell use.
2. Facilitating the Deployment of Text-to-911 and Other Next Generation 911 Initiatives: The Commission will consider a Report, Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on developing the capability for Americans to contact 911 emergency services via text messaging. This would be a first step toward additional next generation services offering wider access to 911 responders.
3. Reforming Rural Health Care Support: The Commission will consider a Report and Order on reforming the FCC’s universal service support programs for healthcare that would expand healthcare providers’ access to broadband, especially in rural areas, while increasing overall efficiency and accountability in the programs.