Rosenworcel Circulates Contraband Phone Order, 4.9 GHz Stay
FCC acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is tacking contraband cellphones in correctional facilities, an area that has been quiet in recent years after it was an early focus of then-Chairman Ajit Pai. Rosenworcel last week circulated an order and second Further…
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NPRM. It would establish “new requirements for wireless providers to disable identified contraband cellphones when requested by a designated correctional facility official,” an FCC spokesperson said Monday: “It would also, among other things, seek further comment on additional technological solutions to combat [such] contraband devices.” In April, CTIA said a process for disabling these devices should ensure systems used to identify contraband phones are “accurate, … the procedures used to direct the disabling of specific phones are reliable” and “disabling orders that direct wireless providers to stop service to devices are clear.” Carrier officials said they want to know more about the proposal before commenting. Rosenworcel also sought a vote on a stay request on 4.9 GHz rules, a spokesperson confirmed. The order permitted one statewide licensee per state “to lease some or all of its spectrum rights to third parties, including commercial, critical infrastructure, and other users, thus making up to 50 megahertz of mid-band spectrum available for more intensive use.” Rosenworcel and Commissioner Geoffrey Starks dissented on the September order (see 2012300047). Both items are on the circulation list.