Federal Communications Commission
FCC Settles 911 Rule Investigation with Charter for $15M
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has entered into a Consent Decree with Charter Communications to resolve the investigation into whether Charter violated the FCC’s rules related to network outages, including those impacting 911 service. The failure to notify affected public safety answering points (PSAPs) of an outage impedes the ability of public safety officials to mediate the effects of an outage by notifying the public of alternate ways to contact emergency services.
FCC Launches New Mobile Speed Test App
The Federal Communications Commission launched its new Mobile Speed Test app which features an enhanced user interface that makes challenging the accuracy of the provider-reported mobile coverage data even easier. The new app replaces the original FCC Speed Test app and is part of the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection program. It enables users to obtain free, open, and transparent information about the performance of their mobile network.
February 22, 2024 AT&T Mobility Network Outage Report and Findings
A report detailing the cause and impact of a nationwide AT&T wireless service outage on February 22, 2024, that lasted at least 12 hours and prevented customers from using voice and data services, including blocking more than 92 million phone calls and more than 25,000 attempts to reach 911. Key findings include:
TracFone to Pay $16 Million to Settle FCC Investigations Into Carrier's Data Protection and Cybersecurity Practice (Federal Communications Commission)
Submitted by zwalker@benton.org on Mon, 07/22/2024 - 16:58FCC Approves Nokia to Begin Initial Commercial Deployment in the 3.5GHz Band (Federal Communications Commission)
Submitted by benton on Fri, 07/19/2024 - 05:30FCC Announces Comment and Reply Comment Dates for the Cybersecurity Labeling for Internet of Things (IoT) Program (Federal Communications Commission)
Submitted by benton on Fri, 07/19/2024 - 05:29FCC Caps Exorbitant Phone & Video Call Rates for Incarcerated Persons & Their Families
The Federal Communications Commission voted to end exorbitant phone and video call rates that have burdened incarcerated people and their families for decades. Under the new rules, the cost of a 15-minute phone call will drop to $0.90 from as much as $11.35 in large jails and, in small jails, to $1.35 from $12.10. The new rules also, for the first time, address the exorbitant cost of video visitation calls, dropping those prices to less than a quarter of current prices and requiring per-minute rate options based on consumers’ actual usage.
FCC Approves Rules to Support Wi-Fi Hotspots Through E-Rate Program
he Federal Communications Commission voted to approve final rules to support the students, school staff, and library patrons around the country who find themselves on the wrong side of the digital and educational divide. Now, schools and libraries will be able to utilize E-Rate resources to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots which will provide internet access for those individuals without a reliable connection at home.
FCC Proposes Mobile Phone Unlocking Requirement
The Federal Communications Commission proposed that the agency require mobile service providers to unlock customers’ mobile phones within 60 days of activation. Expanded unlocking requirements would establish a clear and uniform set of requirements for all mobile service providers. New unlocking rules would allow consumers the freedom to take their existing phones and switch from one mobile service provider to another more easily, as long as the consumer’s phone is compatible with the new provider’s wireless network.