The FCC will consider "specific proposals for preventing and eliminating digital discrimination" during the commissioners' Dec. 21 meeting, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said Tuesday. Commissioners will also consider changes to satellite application processing rules, a proposal on wireless 911 call routing, and a proposal to modify the Telecom Relay Service Fund compensation formula.
Industry officials and broadband experts said the FCC will likely get many challenges to its broadband availability maps and broadband serviceable location fabric (see 2211100072). Most challenges will likely come from providers rather than consumers, we’re told.
Industry and broadband experts welcomed the release Friday of the FCC’s draft broadband availability maps. Many said they plan to participate in the challenge process because NTIA is required by Congress to use the FCC’s maps for its broadband, equity, access and deployment program funding allocations.
Industry and state broadband officials emphasized the need for better data on broadband availability and public-private partnerships as NTIA prepares to administer its broadband, equity, access and deployment program, speaking at USTelecom's broadband investment forum Wednesday. Some raised concerns about regulatory requirements in the BEAD program and ensuring state broadband offices are prepared to administer funding to subgrantees.
The FCC encouraged entities interested in applying for the affordable connectivity program's outreach grants to present "innovative outreach strategies" that can be implemented at the multistate or national level, due to the limited funding available, said Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau staff during a webinar Tuesday. Attendees sought guidance on how to navigate the application process and how the bureau will base its funding decisions.
NTIA plans to announce its funding allocations for its $42.45 billion broadband, equity, access and deployment program by June 30, it said Thursday. The FCC also announced it will release a draft of its broadband availability map Nov. 18. Eligible entities will be able to challenge it through Jan. 13.
The FCC's Communications Equity and Diversity Council unanimously adopted its Digital Empowerment and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group's report offering recommendations on digital discrimination, during a virtual meeting Monday. The WG received additional time in July to complete its report after Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel expanded the group’s mission (see 2207220073).
Broadband advocates, industry and academics urged policymakers Wednesday to develop standards for measuring broadband beyond speed. Some during the Marconi Society virtual event sought a focus on how local communities implement sustainable broadband programs funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Broadband mapping experts raised concerns about the FCC’s methodology and processes for developing its new broadband availability maps. During a Wednesday Broadband Breakfast webinar some questioned how the data will affect how NTIA allocates broadband, equity, access and deployment program funding (see 2209060059).
Industry groups welcomed a draft FCC notice of inquiry on the status of caller ID authentication technology for non-IP networks and providers’ progress in transitioning non-IP networks to IP technology (see 2210060062). Commissioners will consider the item Thursday. NTCA wanted additional language that would seek comment on whether the adoption of new rules could further the transition to IP and the feasibility of adopting non-IP authentication standards.