Federal Communications Commission
FCC Proposes $367,436 Fine for Equipment Marketing Violations
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed a collective penalty of $367,436 against ASUSTeK Computer and its wholly owned subsidiary, Asus Computer International for marketing a WiFi adapter, the PCE-AC51, and a WiFi router, the GT-AXE11000, in apparent violation of the FCC's equipment marketing rules. ASUSTeK, without seeking the required authority from the FCC, modified both equipment models to operate in excess of their previously authorized power limits, in apparent violation of section 302(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, and sections 2.803(b), 2.1043(a), and 15.407(a)(5
FCC Chairwoman Proposes Proceeding to Update Citizens Broadband Radio Service Rules
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel called on the agency to update the Citizens Broadband Radio Service.
FCC Seeks Comment on EMPOWER's ETC Expansion Application
The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB or Bureau) seeks comment on the petition of EMPOWER Broadband (EMPOWER) to expand its Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) designated service area in Virginia. EMPOWER seeks to expand its ETC designated service area to become eligible to receive Connect America Fund (CAF) Phase II Auction (Auction 903) support associated with certain census blocks (constituting complete census block groups (CGBs)) in Virginia, a subpart of an original CAF II support award authorized to RiverStreet Communications of Virginia.
Revised Performance Plans Approved Under Alaska Plan
The Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) approved the revised performance plans of Bristol Bay Cellular Partnership (BBCP), TelAlaska Cellular, Inc.
FCC Commissioner Starks Adds Flynn Rico-Johnson to Staff
Federal Communications Commissioner Geoffrey Starks announced that Flynn Rico-Johnson has joined his office as Policy Advisor for wireless, space, and international issues. Mr. Rico-Johnson previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Prior to his service in the House, Mr. Rico-Johnson was Legislative Assistant to Senator Amy Klobuchar, and managed government affairs for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).
FCC Denies Petition to Stay 2024 Open Internet Order
On May 31, 2024, USTelecom – The Broadband Association, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, CTIA – The Wireless Association, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, ACA Connects – America’s Communications Association, the Florida Internet & Television Association, MCTA – The Missouri Internet & Television Association, the Ohio Cable Telecommunications Association, the Ohio Telecom Association, and the Texas Cable Association (together, Petitioners) filed a petition for the Federal Communications Commission to stay the Declaratory Ruling, Order, Report and
FCC Files Motion to Move Net Neutrality Appeal to DC Circuit
In a series of orders beginning in 2005, the Federal Communications Commission has acted to promote the widespread deployment of broadband networks that are open, affordable, and accessible to all. Four of these previous orders have been reviewed by the D.C. Circuit; the challenge to a fifth order is currently pending (but in abeyance) there as well. The D.C. Circuit has approved aspects of the FCC’s orders but disagreed with others—on several occasions remanding to the FCC for further action or additional deliberation. Thus, for more than a decade, the D.C.
FCC Proposes Internet Routing Security Reporting Requirements
The Federal Communications Commission proposed action to help protect America’s communications networks against cyberattacks by improving internet routing security. The proposal would require broadband providers to create confidential reports on the steps they have taken, and plan to undertake, to mitigate vulnerabilities in the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), the technical protocol used to route information across the internet. The nation’s largest broadband providers would also be required to file specific public data on a quarterly basis demonstrating their BGP risk mitigation progress.
FCC Adopts $200M Cybersecurity Pilot Program for Schools and Libraries
The Federal Communications Commission adopted a three-year, $200 million Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. This program will allow the FCC to obtain actionable data about which cybersecurity services and equipment would best help K-12 schools and libraries address the growing cyber threats and attacks against their broadband networks. From this program, the FCC aims to learn how to improve school and library defenses against sophisticated ransomware and cyberattacks that put students at risk and impede their learning.