NG911, 42 GHz Experiments Headline FCC's June Meeting Agenda
The FCC will take on next-gen 911, the 42 GHz band and robocalls and robotexts at its June 8 meeting, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced Wednesday. Rosenworcel notes many states and local governments are investing in NG911, which is expected to…
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be more resilient than legacy networks. “Completing the NG911 transition will also require operating service providers to do their part to make sure emergency calls are formatted to be compatible with the new IP-based system,” she said: “To speed this transition, the Commission will vote on a proposal to ensure that service providers connect to new NG911 networks on a timely and compatible basis.” Comments were mixed last year on a National Association of State 911 Administrators' petition for a rulemaking or notice of inquiry to fully implement NG911 (see 2110190066 and 2201200043). The 42 GHz band has gotten limited attention in the past, including in a 2018 notice (see 1809110040). Rosenworcel proposes tests. “With ever-increasing demand for wireless services and a finite supply of airwaves, it’s more important than ever that we make sure spectrum is being used as efficiently as possible,” she said. The FCC will consider a proposal to test “several innovative, non-exclusive spectrum access models” in 500 MHz of greenfield spectrum in the band, “which is ideal for experimentation due to the lack of incumbent licensees,” she said. “In addition to developing a record on how best to support efficient, intensive use of these airwaves, this proposal specifically seeks solutions on ways to increase access to spectrum for smaller and emerging wireless operators,” Rosenworcel said. The third item is on unwanted robocalls and robotexts. “The Commission will consider a proposal to strengthen the ability of consumers to decide which … they wish to receive,” Rosenworcel said: “Specifically, it would make sure guidance on consumers’ rights to control consent to be contacted is more apparent and easily accessible. It would also propose to close loopholes that allow certain callers to make robocalls and robotexts without consent and without the ability for the consumer to opt out.” Commissioners will also consider a Media Bureau adjudicatory item.