What's on the agenda for policymakers.
Agenda
FCC Regulatory Free Arena
[Press release] As consequential as the Federal Communications Commission can be in communications policy, it is critical for those in leadership positions to acknowledge that its authority and reach is inherently limited. In fact, current law prevents the Commission from having any role or oversight over numerous modern technologies central to many Americans' communications habits.
A conversation about the implications of the upcoming expiration of the Department of Justice's Comcast/NBCU consent decree for consumers and competition in the cable, programming, and online video markets
At its July meeting, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is likely to adopt an unprecedented proposal to open a large band of lightly-used satellite spectrum for mobile and fixed wireless broadband. The mid-band spectrum from 3700 to 4200 MHz has become the most sought-after resource for both future “5G” mobile networks and for extending high-capacity “fixed wireless” broadband in rural and other low-density areas where trenching fiber would cost too much or take too long.
Hostile governments looking to influence foreign elections. Terrorists and terrorist groups communicating with each other and sharing extremist content. Unwitting consumption of fake news. These are just some of the many threats to individuals’ safety, security and privacy across social-media and online platforms. As the world becomes more networked, how are companies who manage the platforms on which so much of this divisive content exists managing to remove and stem its flow, protect their users, and ensure their users’ rights to freedom of expression?
At this meeting, the DAC is expected to receive and consider reports from its subcommittees on Emergency Communications; Video Programming; Technology Transitions; and Relay & Equipment Distribution.
The DAC is also expected to receive presentations from Commission staff or others on matters of interest to the Committee.
FCC To Hold Open Commission Meeting Thursday, June 7, 2018
The Federal Communications Commission will hold an Open Meeting on the subjects listed below on Thursday, June 7, 2018:
CTIA Wants FCC to Make July 'Mid-Band Month'
Wireless carriers want the Federal Communications Commission to add a vote on opening up the 3.5 GHz (CBRS) band at its July meeting, and an auction of that spectrum by 2019, according to a letter from CTIA President Meredith Attwell Baker. "The wireless industry urges the Commission to move forward in July on key mid-band spectrum opportunities—the 3.5 GHz band and the 3.7-4.2 GHz band—to address the United States’ international deficit with respect to mid-band spectrum availability," She wrote to the FCC.
Chairman Pai Says He Will Widen Mobility Map Challenge Window
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai says he is currently setting the regulatory wheels in motion to secure a 90-day extension of the challenge window for the map the FCC will use to allocate over $4.5 billion in mobile broadband subsidies. In a May 30 letter to Sen Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chairman Pai signaled that was part of his commitment to ensure the map would be high quality, a map whose accuracy will be improved by the challenge process. The FCC put out the map of areas eligible for Mobility Fund Phase II money over the next decade as part of its move to redirect wireles
FCC Commissioner Carr: Internet Won't End June 12
Appearing on C-SPAN's The Communicators, Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr signaled he thought reports of the impending death of the internet were highly overrated. He said that on June 11, when the FCC's network neutrality regulation rollback takes effect, consumers "are not going to see the end of the internet" and "in fact, are going back to the same regime we had in 2015 and for 20 years before that."
FCC Commissioner Carr Announces Great Plains Broadband Tour
Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Brendan Carr will visit the Great Plains from May 29 to June 1, with events in Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. The trip will focus on rural broadband deployment, including the opportunities it creates in smart agriculture, telehealth, job creation, and workforce development. The trip will include events with Sen Deb Fischer (R-NE), Sen John Thune (R-SD), and Gov Dennis Daugaard (R-SD).