Federal Communications Commission

Data: Areas Unserved and Underserved by Broadband in Texas

An analysis of data from the latest version of the Federal Communications Commission's National Broadband Map, which the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will use to allocate $42.5 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding later in June 2023, reveals some interesting trends that affect rural customers. The data shows that Texas has 777,115 “unserved” Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs).  Texas has 364,991 BSLs that are considered “underserved,” meaning that they are able to receive broadband service above 25/3 Mbps but below 100/2

Updated BEAD State Allocations Estimates: How Much Money Will Your State Get?

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is scheduled to release state funding allocations for the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program by the end of June 2023. The allocations will be based on the latest version of the Federal Communications Commission's National Broadband Map released in late May 2023.

There are [still] too many locations in the National Broadband Map

For many months, states have raced to add locations to the Federal Communications Commission's National Broadband Map, trying to maximize their allocation of broadband funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). But in a few short weeks, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration will allocate funding and then my prediction is we’ll never hear about “missing locations” again.

FCC Requires Video Conferencing Platforms To Be Accessible And Proposes Platform Integration With Sign-Language Services

The Federal Communications Commission voted to require video conferencing platforms—like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Webex—to comply with the accessibility requirements under the Communications Act and agency rules that govern interoperable video conferencing services. Video conferencing is routinely used by millions of people for workplace conferences, classes, and conversations with family and friends.

FCC Proposes Action to Expedite the Transition to Next Generation 911

The Federal Communications Commission proposed rules to advance the transition to Next Generation 911, help ensure that the nation’s 911 system functions effectively, and support the deployment of advanced 911 capabilities—including video, text, and data—that will help first responders save lives. State and local 911 authorities are now transitioning to NG911 by replacing legacy circuit-switched 911 networks with Internet Protocol (IP)-based networks and applications that will support new 911 capabilities, including text, video, and data, as well as improved interoperability and system resi

FCC Explores Spectrum Sharing Approaches for the 42 GHz Spectrum Band

The Federal Communications Commission launched a proceeding to consider innovative sharing models in 500 megahertz of spectrum in the 42 GHz band. This examination of sharing models in high-band spectrum could not only inform how this band might best be used—particularly by smaller wireless service providers—but also inform future uses of sharing models in spectrum management. With ever-increasing demand for wireless services and a finite supply of airwaves, it is more important than ever to focus on finding ways to share spectrum, a valuable resource.

Governor Whitmer Launches Statewide Initiative to Increase Affordable Connectivity Program Adoption

Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) and the Michigan High Speed Internet Office kicked-off a statewide Michigan Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Act Now initiative to increase awareness of the ACP, a $14.2 billion federal broadband benefit funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), that will connect more Michiganders to the long-term benefit that helps lower-income families pay for high-speed internet. The Michigan ACP Act Now initiative will unite a broad coalition of partner cities, community-based organizations and trusted institutions in partnership with EducationSup

Dish, AT&T object to SpaceX and T-Mobile’s spectrum request

In April 2023, the Federal Communications Commission’s Space Bureau and Wireless Telecommunications Bureau opened a proceeding to accept comments on filings by SpaceX and T-Mobile to establish supplemental wireless coverage from space.

US investing billions to expand high-speed internet access to rural areas: "Broadband isn't a luxury anymore"

Many Americans take a solid internet connection for granted. Many others, however, are living in areas where they can't even get online. Now, the US government is working to bridge the digital divide by expanding access to broadband. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is leading the Biden administration's $65 billion broadband push, which is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The goal is make broadband universally available in the next five years, and a plan to lower the cost of the utility is also in place. "Broadband isn't a luxury anymore.

T-Mobile makes case to FCC for Mint buyout

Representatives for T-Mobile and Ka’ ena Corporation met with Federal Communications Commission officials to argue why T-Mobile should be able to acquire Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile from Ka’ ena. According to a June 5 , 2023 filing with the FCC, T-Mobile presented a PowerPoint spelling out why the transaction will not harm the competition or consumers.