NATOA and other state and local government groups said localities need more support from the FCC in addressing residents' RF concerns, in replies to a December NPRM (see 1912040036). CTIA noted wireless devices are safe for all consumers based on FCC rules. CTA said regulators should use a flexible approach and address wireless power transfer (WPT) as it considers new RF rules. Replies are posted through Tuesday in docket 19-226.

The FCC regulatory fee process “does not pass muster under the Administrative Procedure Act and raises serious constitutional questions,” said NAB in calls with an aide to Chairman Ajit Pai and staff from the Media Bureau and Office of Managing Director, per a filing posted Monday in docket 20-105. “The FCC’s regulatory fee process remains a frustrating, impenetrable exercise despite repeated calls for more transparency and justification of how the fees are calculated." Freeze regulatory fees at 2019 levels, “because there has been no increase in the amount that the Commission is required to collect for FY2020” and because of COVID-19, NAB said. “These are extraordinary times that more than justify a slight deviation from the Commission’s usual approach to regulatory fees,” it said. “The pandemic has devastated many industries, none more than radio.” The group suggested simplified information collection and streamlined processes for hardship waivers to provide fee relief.

The House began considering its FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (HR-6395) Monday, with anti-Ligado language intact. The House Rules Committee didn’t allow floor consideration of three proposed amendments trying to advance and stop efforts to hinder Ligado’s L-band plan, despite support from committee member Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas (see 2007170059). The panel ultimately agreed to allow votes on several other tech and telecom amendments, including ones aimed at Chinese companies ByteDance and ZTE (see 2007150062).

Banning imports of Lenovo laptops, tablets and desktop PCs through an International Trade Commission exclusion order “threatens to create a supply gap, adversely affecting the public welfare, competitive conditions in the U.S. economy, and U.S. consumers,” commented Lenovo (login required) in docket 337-3466. Nokia’s July 2 complaint seeks the exclusion as the final remedy in a Tariff Act Section 337 investigation into allegations that Lenovo products and components infringe five Nokia patents.

The House began considering its FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (HR-6395) Monday. The Rules Committee didn’t allow floor consideration of three proposed amendments trying to advance and stop efforts to hinder Ligado’s L-band plan. The panel ultimately agreed to allow votes on several other tech amendments.

Encina Communications Chairman Michael Mulcay described the risks its facilities face of harmful interference from unlicensed use of 6 GHz spectrum, in a call with acting Chief Ron Repasi and other FCC Office of Engineering and Technology staff. Encina sought reconsideration of the April 6 FCC 6 GHz order, rejected by OET as filed too late (see 2007130017). Interference at the sites “would cause irreparable harm, especially since there is no meaningful mechanism in the Report & Order to mitigate the interference,” Encina said in a filing posted Friday in docket 18-295.

Twitter, among social media and tech companies under public and policymaker scrutiny, faced additional skepticism after a hack of high-profile accounts. Legislators from both parties expressed concerns Thursday. After those who had verified accounts couldn't post new tweets Wednesday, the problem seemed fixed later that day. The company didn't comment.

Twitter, among social media and tech companies under public and policymaker scrutiny, faced additional skepticism after a hack of high-profile accounts. Legislators from both parties expressed concerns Thursday. After those who had verified accounts couldn't post new tweets Wednesday, the problem seemed fixed later that day. The company didn't comment.

Approval of a different cable leased access rate structure went awry Thursday with a brief administrative law crisis. FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel questioned whether the item -- with two approvals and three concurring votes -- had actually been adopted. Administrative law experts told us it's a novel issue. Chairman Ajit Pai and acting General Counsel Ashley Boizelle said it counts as adopted.

Ex-Solicitor General Noel Francisco rejoins Jones Day ... Digital Licensee Coordinator hires Lauren Danzy, ex-SoundExchange, as director-operations and outreach; DLC represents digital music services in the music licensing system created by the Music Modernization Act ... As Skydio drone maker raises $100 million, hires include ex-U.S. Associate Deputy Attorney General Brendan Groves as head-regulatory and policy affairs; Mark Cranney named chief operating officer, he's ex-Signalfx, which Splunk bought, and also ex-Andreessen Horowitz, a Skydio investor; and Chief Marketing Officer Alberto Farronato joins from Gremlin.