The FCC issued show cause orders Friday against four companies “ultimately subject to the ownership and control of the Chinese government.” China Telecom Americas, China Unicom Americas, Pacific Networks and ComNet were ordered to explain why the FCC shouldn't begin the process of revoking their domestic and international authorizations allowing them to operate in the U.S. The companies have 30 days to respond.

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr is getting a mix of criticism and defense for recent comments on Twitter and elsewhere about China and other topics. He has also drawn notice in recent months for his criticisms of Free Press’ emergency petition for inquiry into broadcasters airing allegedly false information about COVID-19 (see 2004060073) and the House Intelligence Committee’s subpoenas of call records during its inquiry on impeaching President Donald Trump. Some critics believe Carr is wading into political controversies in a bid to be appointed FCC chairman after current head Ajit Pai steps down, if Trump wins re-election.

COVID-19 demonstrates why flexibility is important for enforcers while also showing the benefits of contact tracing, FTC Commissioner Noah Phillips said Tuesday. An industry representative and privacy attorney in interviews debated recent contact tracing-related testimony to the Senate Commerce Committee.

Commissioners approved an NPRM Thursday on the proposed 5G Fund over partial dissents by Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Geoffrey Starks, as expected (see 2004200063). Both said the NPRM offers a false choice and the FCC can’t rely on bad maps or wait until 2023 or later to start offering support. Commissioner Mike O’Rielly supported the NPRM, but also had concerns. Members met via teleconference, for the second month during COVID-19.

Commissioners approved an order 5-0 Thursday allocating 1,200 MHz for sharing with Wi-Fi and other unlicensed use in the 6 GHz band. The unanimous vote was expected (see 2004170057), as was the approval of a number of tweaks sought by FCC members. Commissioners said they had no worries that allowing very low-power (VLP) devices without automated frequency control throughout the band will be harmful to incumbents. A Further NPRM now seeks comment on the portable use of standard-power devices. NAB, AT&T and others raised concerns.

Commissioners approved an order 5-0 Thursday allocating 1,200 MHz for sharing with Wi-Fi and other unlicensed use in the 6 GHz band. The unanimous vote was expected (see 2004170057), as was the approval of a number of tweaks sought by FCC members. Commissioners said they had no worries that allowing very low-power (VLP) devices without automated frequency control throughout the band will be harmful to incumbents. A Further NPRM now seeks comment on the portable use of standard-power devices. NAB, AT&T and others raised concerns.

Commissioners approved an NPRM Thursday on the proposed 5G Fund over partial dissents by Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Geoffrey Starks, as expected (see 2004200063). Both said the NPRM offers a false choice and the FCC can’t rely on bad maps or wait until 2023 or later to start offering support. Commissioner Mike O’Rielly supported the NPRM, but also had concerns. Members met via teleconference, for the second month during COVID-19.

COVID-19 demonstrates why flexibility is important for enforcers while also showing the benefits of contact tracing, FTC Commissioner Noah Phillips said Tuesday. An industry representative and privacy attorney in interviews debated recent contact tracing-related testimony to the Senate Commerce Committee.

The full FCC unanimously approved a reconsideration order clarifying some aspects of the agency’s previous clarification of its political file rules (see 2003300046). As industry sought, the regulator clarified that the political advertising reporting policies it instituted in October apply only to third-party issue ads, not candidate ads. The agency said it will use “a standard of reasonableness and good faith” in judging whether broadcasters are complying with rules for commercials in determining whether the spots trigger disclosure obligations, concern a national issue, or appropriately use acronyms or abbreviations. All other issues raised in recon petitions by NAB and broadcasters including Scripps and Meredith are “pending,” said a footnote.

The FCC should investigate reports that carriers disconnected customers after pledging to the FCC they wouldn’t do so during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel in a tweet Thursday. “Investigate these complaints. Stat.” The agency is “powerless” to enforce the Keep Americans Connected pledge (see 2003130066), said Gigi Sohn of the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society. The commission “abdicated" authority to do so when it reversed itself on net neutrality, she said. Hundreds of ISPs have taken FCC Chairman Ajit Pai's pledge.