Upcoming event

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 8^th 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

The digital divide disproportionately impacts low-income Americans, and current proposals to Lifeline could make that reality even worse.