Federal Communications Commission

More than nine out of 10 American households now have an internet subscription, according to new Census data released on Sep 12. That's a significant leap forward from the 76.7% the Census Bureau reported in 2015. When you dig into the census numbers, it becomes clear that the majority of new internet subscribers came from the lowest income groups.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a unique opportunity today to help close the digital divide by authorizing high-powered two-way fixed wireless service in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band (the lower 12 GHz band). This will bring more upper mid-band spectrum to the market for high-powered, two-way fixed wireless service.

Federal Communications Commissioner Geoffrey Starks spoke at the 6G Symposium about the benefits and challenges of 6G, and what the FCC has done to advance the development of 5G. "I believe 6G presents both an environmental challenge as well as an opportunity. Like 5G, 6G has the potential to increase our energy efficiency and reduce our emissions in areas like manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation. But we simply cannot take this for granted.

And just like that, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted Dish parent company EchoStar’s request for more time to meet 5G buildout requirements in exchange for accelerated deployments in certain markets and other commitments. The approval appears to have come in near record time as the FCC typically isn’t known for quick decision-making, to put it mildly.

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel continued her 2024 Connectivity Tour, focused on closing the Homework Gap, with a visit to Winters’ Well Elementary School in Tonopah (AZ). She was joined by Saddle Mountain Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Mike Winters to meet with parents, teachers, and school staff to discuss access to broadband for students in rural communities through the federal E-rate program and how updates to this foundational program can improve internet access to students regardless of where they live.

The House of Representatives passed the Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced (FUTURE) Networks Act (H.R. 1513), legislation that directs the Federal Communications Commission to bring together industry leaders, public interest groups and government experts to establish a 6G Task Force. Specifically, the FUTURE Networks Act requires the FCC to establish a 6G Task Force comprised of industry, government, and public interest representatives to issue a report on:

Broadband providers want to avoid net neutrality because it comes with more expansive federal oversight. But one trade group for Internet Service Providers and state officials told judges that it comes with at least one big benefit: backup from the government in negotiations with utility pole owners. The Federal Communications Commission is currently trying to keep alive its net neutrality rules, which would reclassify broadband as a telecom service subject to common carrier regulations. Broadband trade associations challenging the move in court convinced a panel of the U.S.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federally funded program providing discounted internet service to economically disadvantaged households, officially ended on June 1, 2024, due to lack of funding from Congress.

On September 10, 2024, Federal Communications Commissioner Geoffrey Starks delivered remarks to the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) at its annual convention at Amelia Island (FL). Commissioner Starks highlighted a number of broadband-related topics in his speech, including the developments in wireless technology since his 2019 CCA speech, the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, and the need for more affordability measures like the Affordable Connectivity program (ACP). "Let me be clear," said Starks.

One of the oddest areas of law under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission is 47 U.S.C. § 230 (Section 230). This is the law that shields internet service providers and social media platforms from liability for content created by users. Section 230 is very much in the political news these days. There were 25 bills introduced in Congress over the last two sessions to modify Section 230 language. The bills look at a range of different topics. One set of proposed regulations would provide more protection for children online.