In his first speech since joining the FCC, Commissioner Nathan Simington told the Free State Foundation via teleconference that he opposes Communications Act Title II net neutrality regulation, indicated he still supports government action to curb non-ISP “gatekeepers,” and seemed optimistic about his ability to influence agency policy while in the minority. "Even commission decisions that don’t command a consensus are formed organically by conversations within the FCC,” Simington said. “The vast majority of decisions are bipartisan.”

Comments support a CTA proposal to allow the limited marketing and sales of wireless devices to consumers before equipment authorization, as long as those devices aren't provided to consumers until authorized by the FCC. Many sought changes to further liberalize the rules, including raising the number of devices that would qualify for a waiver. Comments were posted Friday in docket 20-382. Commissioners approved an NPRM 5-0 in December (see 2012100069).

Comments support a CTA proposal to allow the limited marketing and sales of wireless devices to consumers before equipment authorization, as long as those devices aren't provided to consumers until authorized by the FCC. Many sought changes to further liberalize the rules, including raising the number of devices that would qualify for a waiver. Comments were posted Friday in docket 20-382. Commissioners approved an NPRM 5-0 in December (see 2012100069).

Act quickly to set up the $3.2 billion emergency broadband benefit program, panelists told FCC commissioners during a roundtable Friday (see 2101070052). Several said it’s also important to prioritize transparency so providers and consumers are kept in the loop as the funds wind down.

The U.S. Court of International Trade plans to “proceed first” on choosing a “representative sample” of test cases to manage the roughly 3,500 Section 301 complaints inundating the court, said an order signed Feb. 16 by the three-judge panel of Mark Barnett, Claire Kelly and Jennifer Choe-Groves. All the suits seek to get the List 3 and List 4A Chinese tariffs vacated and the duties refunded with interest. “The court expects that the number of sample cases identified will be small enough to permit the efficient disposition of this litigation while allowing the court to consider all claims raised by the various Plaintiffs,” the order said. “The court anticipates issuing a stay of all Section 301 cases assigned to the panel that are not selected to proceed as sample cases.”

Maryland House members voted 88-48 to override a veto by Gov. Larry Hogan (R) on digital ad tax bill HB-732. The Senate is expected to vote Friday. It's unfair Facebook and Google don’t pay Maryland taxes, said House Majority Leader Eric Luedtke (D) during the livestreamed floor vote. Those companies are engaged in “fear mongering,” threatening to raise ad costs due to the proposed Maryland law, he said. “We're calling their bluff” by proposing HB-1200/SB-787 to prevent companies passing costs to small businesses, he said. Those bills exempt news media and are scheduled for hearing later this month (see 2102080040). Republican delegates urged legislators to sustain the veto. The proposed tax is an “attack on small business,” said Del. Jesse Pippy (R). The state tax isn’t allowed by the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act, said Del. Mike Griffith (R).

Maryland House members voted 88-48 to override a veto by Gov. Larry Hogan (R) on digital ad tax bill HB-732. The Senate is expected to vote Friday. It's unfair Facebook and Google don’t pay Maryland taxes, said House Majority Leader Eric Luedtke (D) during the livestreamed floor vote. Those companies are engaged in “fear mongering,” threatening to raise ad costs due to the proposed Maryland law, he said. “We're calling their bluff” by proposing HB-1200/SB-787 to prevent companies passing costs to small businesses, he said. Those bills exempt news media and are scheduled for hearing later this month (see 2102080040). Republican delegates urged legislators to sustain the veto. The proposed tax is an “attack on small business,” said Del. Jesse Pippy (R). The state tax isn’t allowed by the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act, said Del. Mike Griffith (R).

The FCC is seeking assistance with outreach efforts for the $3.2 billion emergency broadband benefit program, it said Thursday (see 2102090048). Interested individuals and organizations can sign up here. “We all have a part to play in this effort,” said acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement. “I hope every one of you will join us as we seek to raise awareness about this opportunity to get more of us connected.”

Maryland House members voted 88-48 to override a veto by Gov. Larry Hogan (R) on digital ad tax bill HB-732. The Senate is expected to vote Friday. It's unfair Facebook and Google don’t pay Maryland taxes, said House Majority Leader Eric Luedtke (D) during the livestreamed floor vote. Those companies are engaged in “fear mongering,” threatening to raise ad costs due to the proposed Maryland law, he said. “We're calling their bluff” by proposing HB-1200/SB-787 to prevent companies passing costs to small businesses, he said. Those bills exempt news media and are scheduled for hearing later this month (see 2102080040). Republican delegates urged legislators to sustain the veto. The proposed tax is an “attack on small business,” said Del. Jesse Pippy (R). The state tax isn’t allowed by the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act, said Del. Mike Griffith (R).

The FCC is seeking assistance with outreach efforts for the $3.2 billion emergency broadband benefit program, it said Thursday (see 2102090048). Interested individuals and organizations can sign up here. “We all have a part to play in this effort,” said acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement. “I hope every one of you will join us as we seek to raise awareness about this opportunity to get more of us connected.”