U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer wouldn’t commit Wednesday to suspending the Trump administration’s Section 301 tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese imports even if the U.S. reaches a trade deal with China.

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said Wednesday he favors reauthorization of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act, one of several communications policy issues the committee is “intent on moving” on this year. Wicker said during an Incompas event he is bullish about advancing privacy legislation but less certain about prospects for bills on net neutrality and improving conditions for 5G. Other federal officials meanwhile noted there's no 5G "killer app" yet.

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said Wednesday he favors reauthorization of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act, one of several communications policy issues the committee is “intent on moving” on this year. Wicker said during an Incompas event he is bullish about advancing privacy legislation but less certain about prospects for bills on net neutrality and improving conditions for 5G. Other federal officials meanwhile noted there's no 5G "killer app" yet.

With an appellate court Tuesday deciding DOJ didn't prove the case for stopping AT&T's buy of Time Warner (see 1902260017), Justice threw in the towel on any further challenges (see 1902260067). Experts had widely expected that.

With an appellate court Tuesday deciding DOJ didn't prove the case for stopping AT&T's buy of Time Warner (see 1902260017), Justice threw in the towel on any further challenges (see 1902260067). Experts had widely expected that.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A Maryland House panel faced division Thursday on rival 5G bills meant to speed wireless infrastructure deployment (see 1902070028). Witnesses for the wireless industry and Maryland business groups at an Economic Matters Committee hearing backed HB-654 by Chairman Dereck Davis (D), while local government officials supported HB-1020 by Del. Mary Ann Lisanti (D) and seven others on the 24-member committee. State lawmakers also weighed potential costs and benefits of a bill to strengthen Maryland pole-attachment authority.

FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel’s call for restrictions on e-cigarette ads isn’t likely to lead to direct FCC action, said e-cigarette industry officials and broadcast and First Amendment attorneys in interviews (see 1902140063). Rosenworcel isn’t necessarily aiming for an FCC rule against such ads, said broadcast attorneys and an aide in her office. “All I’ve done is called for the idea that the FCC, FTC, and [Food and Drug Administration] should come together, look at what laws are on their books, and identify if there are things we can do,” Rosenworcel said in a news conference last week. Commissioner Brendan Carr has said he would oppose such a move.

FCC commissioners expressed concerns about the threat from Chinese equipment makers Huawei and ZTE (see 1902140060), in news conferences after their monthly meeting Thursday. “I don’t think you can separate China from China companies,” said Commissioner Mike O’Rielly. “It’s incredibly problematic and I’ve raised it regarding the ITU, with the equipment, what they’re doing in standard-setting bodies … their desire to capture a number of countries in trade.” The FCC has limited authority on trade, he said. Commissioner Brendan Carr said he “started speaking recently in a broad sense about our values that we want instilled in a 5G network.” It’s “no longer enough for us to be first to 5G, we need to make sure our networks are secure,” Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said. The FCC “has got to finish the proceeding it started last year to make clear to every carrier, big and small, what kind of equipment they can put in their networks.” It's reviewing what it might do to counter security threats to U.S. communications networks or the communications supply chain (see 1812210032). The FCC should require certification that 5G devices meet security standards, she said: “There is so much more that we can do.” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week warned European countries against technology from Huawei in their networks. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said he shares Pompeo’s and the administration’s overall concerns “about the importance of the security of America’s communications network” and that’s why the FCC acted on the security NPRM last year. The FCC is working with other parts of the government and other stakeholders “to make sure that we have all the facts,” he said. “As to what the ultimate outcome of that proceeding will be, I obviously can’t forecast.” Discussing Lifeline, Pai said the FCC remains focused on curbing waste, fraud and abuse, so support can target low-income consumers who need help. He declined to say whether a proposed reseller ban is dead after a court shot down the agency's ban on resellers receiving enhanced tribal support, and on whether changes are needed to rollout of a national verifier of consumer eligibility. Rosenworcel said the court reversal signals the agency should “turn around” and “get it right” by creating opportunities for the needy, including through continued reseller participation.

TV broadcasters and NAB apparently resolved differences over what should happen to the national ownership cap and asked FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to pursue the association's proposal (see 1811270062) to keep the current 50 percent cap for UHF stations and extend it to VHF's, said an ex parte filing. NAB President Gordon Smith and representatives from factions that previously offered differing national cap plans -- including Nexstar CEO Perry Sook and Graham Media CEO Emily Barr -- brought the consensus to Pai Feb. 11, said a filing posted Thursday in docket 17-318. Lack of industry consensus was making it difficult for the FCC to act (see 1811010041).

Amazon scuttled plans to establish a second headquarters in Long Island City, Queens, Thursday after saying last week (see 1902080046) it was focused on “engaging with our new neighbors.” The company doesn’t plan to reopen its HQ2 search “at this time,” it said. It will proceed as planned in Northern Virginia and Nashville and “continue to hire and grow across our 17 corporate offices and tech hubs in the U.S. and Canada." Amazon has more than 5,000 employees in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island and plans to continue expanding those teams, it said.