Microsoft’s proposal for a Further NPRM on broadband in the TV white spaces (see 1905030050) got some pushback in comments posed Tuesday in docket 14-165. Most early-in comments supported calls for an FNPRM (see 1906100035). Wireless mic makers, whose devices use the white spaces, had particular concerns.
Microsoft’s proposal for a Further NPRM on broadband in the TV white spaces (see 1905030050) got some pushback in comments posed Tuesday in docket 14-165. Most early-in comments supported calls for an FNPRM (see 1906100035). Wireless mic makers, whose devices use the white spaces, had particular concerns.
T-Mobile's buy of Sprint faces an antitrust lawsuit from New York, eight other states and the District of Columbia. Democratic attorneys general sued Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, ahead of decisions by the FCC, DOJ and California Public Utilities Commission. Because "the effect of T- Mobile’s merger with Sprint 'may be substantially to lessen competition,' the Court should permanently enjoin the merger," the lawsuit said. States contacted DOJ and carriers, and “negotiations are ongoing,” said New York AG Letitia James (D) at a livestreamed news conference.
Congress has a constitutional duty to ensure antitrust law is working properly within the digital economy, said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., and House Antitrust Subcommittee Chairman David Cicilline, D-R.I., during a hearing Tuesday (see 1906100029). It was the first in a series of tech competition investigation hearings, which ranking member Doug Collins, R-Ga., said he “firmly” supports. Collins said any potential legislation from the probe “should be consistent with keeping the free market free.” Companies “that offer new innovations, better solutions and more consumer benefit at lower prices often become big -- to the benefit of society,” he said.
T-Mobile's buy of Sprint faces an antitrust lawsuit from New York, eight other states and the District of Columbia. Democratic attorneys general sued Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, ahead of decisions by the FCC, DOJ and California Public Utilities Commission. Because "the effect of T- Mobile’s merger with Sprint 'may be substantially to lessen competition,' the Court should permanently enjoin the merger," the lawsuit said. States contacted DOJ and carriers, and “negotiations are ongoing,” said New York AG Letitia James (D) at a livestreamed news conference.
Regulators approved a declaratory ruling Thursday allowing carriers to block unwanted robocalls by default. Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Mike O’Rielly, who had signaled concerns (see 1906030008 and 1905310061), partially dissented. A Further NPRM asks about additional steps and was strengthened last week to add a proposal that the FCC mandate secure handling of asserted information using tokens and secure telephone identity revisited technology if major voice providers don’t comply with demands Shaken Stir be implemented by year-end.
Regulators approved a declaratory ruling Thursday allowing carriers to block unwanted robocalls by default. Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Mike O’Rielly, who had signaled concerns (see 1906030008 and 1905310061), partially dissented. A Further NPRM asks about additional steps and was strengthened last week to add a proposal that the FCC mandate secure handling of asserted information using tokens and secure telephone identity revisited technology if major voice providers don’t comply with demands Shaken Stir be implemented by year-end.
Ligado supporters see the 40 MHz of lower mid-band spectrum it wants to offer as the fastest path available for getting more mid-band spectrum in play for 5G. The company needs FCC help: an order modifying its license allowing it to deploy terrestrial equipment and services on what are now L-band frequencies. Time could be running out, industry officials said. The satellite firm exited bankruptcy in December 2015 and will soon need to start another round of financing to remain viable. It hopes for FCC action this summer.
The direction of Capitol Hill's debate on Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act reauthorization remains uncertain after two hearings this week, said members of the Senate Commerce Committee and House Communications Subcommittee in interviews. Few Senate Commerce members revealed clear positions on renewal during a Wednesday hearing. Questions showed divisions in both parties. House Communications members registered a range of opinions during a Tuesday STELA panel (see 1906040057).
With ACE not ready, customs bond insufficiency issues, and importers unable to take on financial responsibility for tariffs on Mexican imports, the customs brokers who work at the California-Mexico border asked CBP and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to delay implementation of 5 percent tariffs past June 10. The Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Associations sent a letter June 5 saying that its members are alarmed "that it will be impossible to comply, as the mechanisms for compliance are not available between now and June 10th."