Agenda

What's on the agenda for policymakers.

Sponsor: 

Subcommittee on Communications, Technology Innovation, and the Internet

Senate Commerce Committee

Date: 
Tue, 03/13/2018 - 15:00

Witnesses:

  • The Honorable Gary Resnick, Mayor, City of Wilton Manors, Fla.
  • Mr. Steve Berry, Chief Executive Officer, Competitive Carriers Association
  • Mr. Bob DeBroux, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, TDS Telecom
  • Mr. Brad Gillen, Executive Vice President, CTIA – The Wireless Association
  • Mr. Mike Romano, Senior Vice President for Policy, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association


Sinclair Amends Tribune Deal...Again

In a move likely in response to the Justice Department, Sinclair has once again amended its June 2017 deal to purchase Tribune Media's stations, this time adjusting last week's amended filing to cut Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York (PA) from the markets where it sought to own two of the top four stations to take advantage of the Federal Communications Commission's new case-by-case waiver of the prohibition on such ownership. Sinclair will now sell one of the two stations in that market rather than try for an exemption.

Sponsor: 

Telecommunications Research and Policy Institute

Date: 
Wed, 03/07/2018 - 15:00 to 16:30

The  release of an updated analysis by Stuart N. Brotman, Howard Distinguished Endowed Professor of Media Management and Law, and Beaman Professor of Communication, at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Brotman’s study, Net Vitality 2.0: Identifying the Top-Tier Global Broadband Internet Ecosystem Leaders, revisits the pioneering research approach, the Net Vitality Index, first developed in 2010, which highlights countries that are leading on a global basis in their deployment and use of broadband applications and content; devices; and networks.



Top Prize in US-China Rivalry Is Technology Dominance

As the United States and China look to protect their national security needs and economic interests, the fight between the two financial superpowers is increasingly focused on a single area: technology. The fight over technology is redefining the rules of engagement in an era when national security and economic power are closely intertwined. China, under President Xi Jinping, has launched an ambitious plan to dominate mobile technology, supercomputers, artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge industries, putting huge resources behind an effort that it considers crucial to the country’

Why Companies and Countries Are Battling for Ascendancy in 5G

Being at the forefront of a new technology often provides a strategic advantage. That helps explain why there is so much scrapping now by companies and countries over a next wave of wireless technology known as 5G.

Ahead of FCC vote, wireless industry tallies ‘excessive’ small cell deployment fees

The Federal Communications Commission is scheduled later in March to vote on new rules designed to smooth the deployment of small cells for LTE and 5G, primarily by reducing fees local governments and other entities can levy against those buildouts. And, according to a variety of wireless players, those fees are “excessive,” to say the least.

FCC Reauthorization Bill (RAY BAUM Act) Passes House

The "Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services Act of 2018" (RAY BAUM Act) (HR 4986) has been unanimously approved by the House. The bill was named in honor of the late Energy & Commerce staff director, who died in February. It is expected to pass the Senate as well.

Sponsor: 

Federal Communications Bar Association 

Date: 
Thu, 03/08/2018 - 00:00 to 02:15

Natural disasters and large-scale man-made events require emergency responders to communicate among themselves inside the disaster zone, implement effective command and control methods, and communicate with the public.  Our operational leaders and legal experts will explore the legal framework and practical considerations facing local, state and federal agencies and what is needed to prepare for and respond to emergencies.  Panelists will also discuss whether legal guidelines and operational plans offer enough assets, clarity and guidance for responders to work effectively.



Sponsor: 

Voices for Internet Freedom Coalition and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI)

Date: 
Thu, 03/08/2018 - 18:00 to 19:30

In light of recent decisions by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), I invite you to join the Voices for Internet Freedom Coalition, a coalition of organizations fighting to protect the digital rights of communities of color, for a lunch briefing focused on Lifeline, Net Neutrality, and other recent FCC decisions. The briefing will be held Thursday, March 8th from 12:00 – 1:30 pm in Rayburn 2044.



Sponsor: 

House Small Business Committee

Date: 
Tue, 03/06/2018 - 16:00

This hearing will examine the disparities between large, nationwide carriers and small, rural carriers that contribute to the urban and rural digital divide.  Rural communities depend on small carriers to provide internet and telecommunications service where nationwide providers may choose not to deploy broadband, or provide minimal service.  Deploying broadband in these high-cost areas requires significant investment in capital, time, and resources.  The cost of investment, coupled with challenges unique to small, rural carriers in offsetting costs creates barriers to competition and susta