Upcoming event
Featuring the author Thomas W. Hazlett, Hugh H. Macaulay Endowed Chair in Economics, Clemson University; with comments by Ajit Pai, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission.
Although a range of studies and methodologies show that the Internet is now a major economic sector in the United States, few understand the economic forces at work among and between different parts of the internet ecosystem.
FirstNet will post a detailed agenda for the Combined Board Committees and Board Meeting on its website, http:// www.firstnet.gov, prior to the meetings.
The agenda topics are subject to change.
The Board will vote on a consent agenda consisting of the minutes of its November 15, 2017 meeting, a resolution honoring the 75th anniversary of Voice of America’s (VOA) Serbian Service, a resolution honoring the 60th anniversary of VOA’s Bangla Service, a resolution honoring the fifth anniversary of VOA’s Bambara Service, a resolution honoring the 65th anniversary of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) Azerbaijani Service—Azadliq Radiosu, a resolution honoring the 65th anniversary of RFE/ RL’s Russian Service, and a resolution honoring the 65th anniversary of RFE/ RL’s Turkmen Serv
The Obama Administration’s proposal to mandate a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication system in all new cars is reportedly on life support at the more deregulatory Trump Department of Transportation (DOT). A V2V signaling mandate has been criticized as outdated, costly, and lengthy; it could take 20 years or more to become fully effective.
The agenda at this meeting will feature a report from each of the ACDDE Working Groups.
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
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