The Next Big Thing

The agenda for the Federal Communications Commission's April open meeting:

1. Gear up for an auction of the upper 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz spectrum bands: The public notice makes proposals and asks questions about the essential features of this auction.
2. Facilitate next-generation wireless services in the 37 GHz band: This proposal would finalize arrangements for the upper 37 GHz band by establishing a process for the Department of Defense to operate there on a shared basis in limited circumstances. This proposal would also establish rules authorizing Fixed-Satellite Service operators, such as satellite broadband service operators, to license individual earth stations in the 50 GHz band.
3. Over-the-air reception devices: current rules prohibit state and local restrictions that unreasonably impair the ability of users to deploy these devices, but they don't apply to antennas operating as hub or relay antennas used to transmit signals to or receive signals from multiple customer locations—in short, the kind of equipment that could be used for innovative new wireless services. We will propose to update these rules.
4. Modernize or eliminate outdated rules. The rules on the block:  A) the "rate floor" that requires certain rural carriers that receive Universal Service Fund support to impose minimum monthly rates for telephone service, B) requirements that cable companies to keep a hard copy of current listing of the cable television channels it offers, C)  the rule that smaller, rural incumbent carriers offer long-distance telephone service through a separate affiliate -- the order under consideration would also relieve incumbent carriers from the obligation to submit unnecessary reports about their legacy "special access" services and from a duplicative statutory provision regarding access to telephone poles.