What's on the agenda for policymakers.
Agenda
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.
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.
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.
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
Streaming media boxes—digital media devices that stream music and video to users’ TVs—are unlocking a new wave of online piracy. While many users legally stream online content using devices like Fire TV Sticks, Chromecasts, and Rokus, there are a growing number of users who buy devices such as the TickBox or Dragon Box to avoid paying for content. Makers of these devices advertise that their products come pre-loaded with software add-ons that will allow users to watch their favorite movies and TV shows without paying for access through legal services such as Netflix and Hulu.
9:30 AM – 9:35 AM: Opening Remarks: Commissioners Michael R. Wessel and Commissioner Larry M. Wortzel, Ph.D.
9:35 AM – 11:05 AM: Panel I: Economic Implications of U.S. and Chinese 5G and IoT Standards and Technology Development
FCC says small cells will close the digital divide. Most say they won't
Many local officials, engineers and wireless consultants contend that changes Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai advocates to limit local regulation of small-cell permitting, design, fees and other charges used to access cities’ public rights of way won’t do anything to close the digital divide.
5G wireless pits cities against telecoms and their friends in the FCC
Many people are worked up over so-called small cells, the next generation of wireless technology that telecommunications firms and cell-tower builders want to place on streetlights and utility poles throughout neighborhoods nationwide. The small cells come with a host of equipment, including antennas, power supplies, electric meters, switches, cabling and boxes often strapped to the sides of poles. Some may have refrigerator-sized containers on the ground. And they will be placed about every 500 or so feet along residential streets and throughout business districts.
Congressional Leaders Announce FCC Reauthorization and Spectrum Agreement
House Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD), and Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL) announced a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on legislation reauthorizing the Federal Communications Commission and spurring the deployment of next-generation wireless services. The legislation, RAY BAUM’S Act (H.R. 4986), will be voted on in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 6, 2018. The legislation would:
Digital Inclusion Innovators Visit Policymakers
On February 27 and 28, in partnership with the Benton Foundation, three digital inclusion innovators, joined NDIA's Angela Siefer for a round of meetings in DC. Amina Fazlullah, NDIA’s Policy Advisor and a Mozilla Tech Policy Fellow, made arrangements for four visits to senate offices and two visits to FCC commissioner offices, in addition to a meeting with Mozilla Tech Policy Fellows and an update on potential infrastructure legislation from SHLB Coalition’s John Windhausen. Thanks to Susan Corbett, we also met with Senator Angus King (I-Maine).