What's on the agenda for policymakers.
Agenda
The Department of Commerce’s internet Policy Task Force (Task Force) will hold a conference to discuss current initiatives and technologies used to develop a more robust and collaborative digital marketplace for copyrighted works. The Task Force is organizing this meeting to build on the work of the prior meetings and continue to facilitate constructive, cross-industry dialogue about ways to promote a robust and collaborative online marketplace for copyrighted works.
A Better Way to Break Up Big Tech
Regulating big tech is quickly becoming a central theme of the 2020 presidential race. But many of the tech-industry insiders I spoke with, including some who agree with Sen Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) that the big companies are too powerful, cautioned that some of the details in her proposal were too vague, and could backfire if put into effect as written. Warren’s plan is a bold first stab at reform, and some of her proposals make a lot of sense. But I’d offer a few edits.
House Science Committee Leaders Seek FCC Delay in 5G Spectrum Auction
House Science Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK) asked the Federal Communications Commission to delay a radio frequency spectrum auction for next-generation 5G wireless communications, which is scheduled for March 14. The , committee leaders cited concerns that the spectrum under consideration could interfere with signals for sensors related to weather and climate forecasting, and said such interference could impact public safety.
In an era where data sharing is endemic to every aspect of the digital economy, the spotlight on consumer privacy in America is now brighter than ever. Moreover, rapidly emerging technologies like machine-learning algorithms are also altering how information is processed, used, and stored, bringing another layer to the privacy debate. How is the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) adapting their policies and programs to these online behavioral changes? How is the FTC working to protect and prevent deceptive practices, while still harnessing the power of digital technologies? Where does the U.S.
T-Mobile's Legere: No Huawei Tech Going in 5G Net, Period
T-Mobile CEO John Legere told the House Judiciary Committee that his network does not now include technology from Chinese Telecom Huawei, that a new T-Mobile-Sprint 5G network would not contain such tech, and that he would even help others try to clear their networks of the technology. That was just one of many pledges he was making to help sell lawmakers on his plan to buy Sprint.
For tech, antitrust is a fatal distraction
When leaders in Silicon Valley assess the new antitrust fever among candidates and policymakers, the prospect of corporate breakups isn't their biggest worry. Instead, insiders fear missing the next cycle of industry change if they're distracted and hobbled by antitrust conflicts. If executives are busy answering lawmaker inquiries and defending regulator lawsuits, they're less likely to be protecting their businesses from upstart challengers.
Witnesses
Mr. John Legere
Chief Executive Officer, T-Mobile
Mr. Marcelo Claure
Executive Chairman, Sprint
FCC to Hold Open Commission Meeting Friday, March 15, 2019
The Federal Communications Commission will hold an Open Meeting on the subjects listed below on Friday, March 15, 2019:
Spectrum Horizons – The Commission will consider a First Report and Order that would adopt rules to make available 21.2 GHz of spectrum above 95 GHz for unlicensed operations and create a new class of experimental licenses for the 95 GHz to 3 THz spectrum range (ET Docket No. 18-21; RM-11795)
Chairman Pai Remarks at FCC Symposium on Media Diversity
I moved quickly to re-charter the Federal Communications Commission’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment, which had gone dormant. When it was chartered in July 2017, I charged the Committee’s leaders with developing real-world solutions to spur diversity and digital empowerment in under-served communities. I asked them to bring recommendations that could be quickly implemented in order to get solutions to the public rapidly. One of the deliverables to come out of this Advisory Committee is today’s workshop. And have they ever delivered!
Sen Sinema the Net Neutrality Skeptic?
As Democratic leaders unveiled legislation to revive Obama-era net neutrality rules, one name was conspicuously absent: Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ). The lawmaker was the sole member of the Senate Democratic caucus not to co-sponsor the measure. Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) had circulated his Save the Internet Act since January seeking a widespread show of Democratic backing. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) “signed on this morning,” Sen Markey told reporters, leaving Sen. Sinema as the lone holdout.