What's on the agenda for policymakers.
Agenda
Telecom Policymaking a Piecemeal Effort, House Commerce Chairman Walden Predicts
Congressional action to update the Telecommunications Act will be incremental, according to House Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR). "We're looking at it piece by piece," Walden said at the 2018 State of the Net conference on Jan 29. He added that Congress also "needs to look at the FCC operation" overall, acknowledging that "we live in a different era" than when the 1996 Telecom law was enacted. Walden said he expects a "program-by-program" evaluation, but did not suggest any timetable or urgency for the review.
This webinar will focus on the key factors to consider when planning and deploying a public Wi-Fi network and how it will enhance smart city efforts. Speakers will highlight the information needed in order to make informed decisions concerning the implementation of the network, potential partnership and funding options, and technical aspects. The speakers participated in the Global Cities Public Wi-Fi Blueprint development and are eager to share their insights.
Speakers:
House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Examines Legislation to Improve Nation’s Broadband Infrastructure
The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology examined 25 bills that seek to improve broadband infrastructure across the country. Members engaged with a panel of seven expert witnesses who provided a range of perspectives on this important issue. Chairman Blackburn said, “We wanted to have a very inclusive hearing today to discuss all of the ideas from Subcommittee members on both sides of the aisle to promote broadband infrastructure deployment with a goal of closing the digital divide.
The hearing will examine the implementation of science and technology policy and program updates enacted under the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, and will specifically evaluate progress made by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to implement the act.
This is the first meeting of the Technological Advisory Council for 2018. At its prior meeting on December 6th, 2017, the Council had discussed possible work initiatives for 2018. These initiatives have been discussed in the interim within the FCC, with the TAC chairman, as well as with individual TAC members. At the March meeting, the FCC Technological Advisory Council will discuss its proposed work program for 2018.
Wireless carriers must deliver emergency alerts more precisely
[Commentary] Many officials, from California’s US senators to state public safety representatives, believe that the system for sending emergency alerts to phones needs to be improved. I agree. That’s why, on Jan 30, the Federal Communications Commission will vote on making the wireless emergency alert system more effective.
Tech Giants Brace for Europe’s New Data Privacy Rules
Tech giants are preparing for a stringent new set of data privacy rules in the region, called the General Data Protection Regulation. Set to take effect on May 25, the regulations restrict what types of personal data the tech companies can collect, store and use across the 28-member European Union. Among their provisions, the rules enshrine the so-called right to be forgotten into European law so people can ask companies to remove certain online data about them. The rules also require anyone under 16 to obtain parental consent before using popular digital services.
Prepared Testimony of FCC Public Safety Chief "This is Not a Drill: An Examination of Emergency Alert Systems", Senate Commerce Committee
The false alert issued on January 13th by the State of Hawaii, in which recipients were warned of an imminent ballistic missile attack, was absolutely unacceptable. The Federal Communications Commission acted swiftly in the wake of this incident to open an investigation into the matter.
The INCOMPAS Policy Summit will offer a special opportunity for communications and technology leaders to connect in Washington, D.C. Attendees will hear about the current state of affairs and the future landscape of the communications atmosphere from leaders in the industry, Members from Capitol Hill and the FCC.