The FCC unanimously approved 911 fee diversion rules, as expected (see 2106210022). They largely mirror statutory language in the Don’t Break Up the T-Band Act of 2020, and are “reasonably broad given the diverse and evolving nature of the 911 ecosystem.” Rules take effect 60 days after Federal Register publication and fee report data collection compliance takes effect after OMB OK. The commission defined a 911 levy Friday as “a fee or charge applicable to commercial mobile services, IP-enabled voice services, or other emergency communications services specifically designated by a state or taxing jurisdiction for the support or implementation of 911 services.” The definition included multipurpose fees that support “public safety, emergency services, or similar purposes.” Replacement of 911 systems is OK. Diversion is what's used to support a political subdivision or other non-911 related purposes. Examples include “equipment or infrastructure for constructing or expanding non-public safety communications networks” and transferring money to a general fund. States will be held responsible for local jurisdictions that divert fees. The 911 strike force will consider and provide recommendations on what types of radio expenditures constitute diversion. The rules establish a procedure for jurisdictions to petition the Public Safety Bureau for determination an expenditure should be treated as acceptable. The jurisdiction must demonstrate this supports public safety answering point functions or directly affects a PSAP's ability to “receive or respond to 911 calls.” The FCC clarified that “only employees of a diverting jurisdiction” are ineligible to participate on advisory committees. Representatives of non-diverting localities within a diverting state remain eligible. An individual employed by a diverting jurisdiction may still serve on an advisory committee as a representative of a public safety organization or association. The FCC “took a big step towards eliminating the unacceptable practice of 911 fee diversion,” said CTIA Vice President-Regulatory Affairs Matt Gerst. The new rules “provide much-needed clarity on what does and does not constitute 911 fee diversion, which is essential as the stakes for diversion are raised with the potential federal NG-911 transition funding,” emailed National Emergency Number Association Director-Government Affairs Dan Henry. “To the extent that edge cases remain in certain states’ fee models, the 911 community will have to be proactive in seeking determinations from the Commission.”
The FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment will be rechartered with a broader focus as the Communications Equity and Diversity Council, acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced Thursday at the virtual, final meeting of ACDDE’s current charter. “The Council’s mission will expand from its initial focus on the media ecosystem to review more broadly critical diversity and equity issues across the tech sector,” said an agency news release Thursday. One meeting vote was divisive.
A Tuesday Senate Communications Subcommittee hearing on network resiliency issues turned into a debate about the contours of broadband spending in an infrastructure legislative package, as expected (see 2106210058). Supporters and critics of President Joe Biden’s infrastructure proposal (see 2103310064) focused on his call for building “future-proof” broadband networks and the extent to which that could limit funding to only fiber networks. Chairman Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico and other Democrats also eyed how to advance resiliency measures, including the Generating Resilient and Energy Efficient Network (Green) Communications Act (S-1506).
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and ranking member Roger Wicker, R-Miss., are having staff-level discussions about a legislative response to the Supreme Court striking down FTC Act Section 13(b) authority (see 2104260065), they told us. Cantwell previously said she wants to move quickly on legislation to bolster the agency’s authority. The committee has bill language, but “I don’t know when we’re rolling it out,” Cantwell told us. Wicker confirmed the staff discussions.
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and ranking member Roger Wicker, R-Miss., are having staff-level discussions about a legislative response to the Supreme Court striking down FTC Act Section 13(b) authority (see 2104260065), they told us. Cantwell previously said she wants to move quickly on legislation to bolster the agency’s authority. The committee has bill language, but “I don’t know when we’re rolling it out,” Cantwell told us. Wicker confirmed the staff discussions.
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and ranking member Roger Wicker, R-Miss., are having staff-level discussions about a legislative response to the Supreme Court striking down FTC Act Section 13(b) authority (see 2104260065), they told us. Cantwell previously said she wants to move quickly on legislation to bolster the agency’s authority. The committee has bill language, but “I don’t know when we’re rolling it out,” Cantwell told us. Wicker confirmed the staff discussions.
Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wants to increase FCC broadband speed thresholds, she told reporters Thursday. "I hope in time that I can convince my colleagues that that is where we need to head." She believes "it's absolutely time" to raise the current threshold of 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps up, she said a few minutes later. She didn't say if she believes speeds should be symmetrical or detail what higher speeds she would like to have define broadband. Spokespeople didn't answer our questions.
Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wants to increase FCC broadband speed thresholds, she told reporters Thursday. "I hope in time that I can convince my colleagues that that is where we need to head." She believes "it's absolutely time" to raise the current threshold of 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps up, she said a few minutes later. She didn't say if she believes speeds should be symmetrical or detail what higher speeds she would like to have define broadband. Spokespeople didn't answer our questions.
CTA raised concerns as FCC commissioners approved 4-0 Thursday an NPRM and notice of inquiry that would further clamp down on gear from companies deemed to pose a security risk in U.S. networks. Commissioners said several questions were added since a draft of the item circulated, as expected (see 2106090063).
CTA raised concerns as FCC commissioners approved 4-0 Thursday an NPRM and notice of inquiry that would further clamp down on gear from companies deemed to pose a security risk in U.S. networks. Commissioners said several questions were added since a draft of the item circulated, as expected (see 2106090063).