Amazon's proposed Kuiper satellite mega constellation (see 1904040034) is facing pushback from satellite operators that took part in the 2017 non-geostationary orbit processing round, with arguments that it be considered part of a new non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) processing round. The FCC is considered unlikely to act quickly on Kuiper's application. Satellite experts told us other U.S. mega constellation applications, such as by tech companies, aren't likely in the wings.
The rechartered FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment will focus on improving access of minority and female would-be broadcast owners to capital, addressing digital redlining, and increasing tech-sector diversity, said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai in a recorded video at ACDDE's first meeting in its latest incarnation. Anyone spending time at a tech conference can see “we're not where we need to be in terms of diversity and inclusion in the tech sector,” said Commissioner Brendan Carr.
The FCC got pushback against CTIA and Wireless Infrastructure Association proposals seeking more changes to wireless infrastructure rules designed to accelerate siting of towers and other gear. Big and small cities and their lobbying groups weighed in, along with industry allies of what CTIA and WIA seek. Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee state and local government members at September's BDAC meeting asked for an ad hoc committee on collocation issues (see 1909190024). But Chairman Ajit Pai took no action. Filings were posted mostly Wednesday in docket 19-250.
California county officials said telecom carriers should improve backup systems, after public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) caused outages: Wireless carriers should install backup generators that last days rather than rely on batteries lasting hours. Some had wireline outages although their homes had power. The California Public Utilities Commission has concerns.
The FCC sent Ligado's licensing order to NTIA for the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee to consider. Industry officials said questions remain, but that action moves the satellite company a step closer to launching a terrestrial network and putting more spectrum in play for 5G. The FCC is giving 15 days notice to NTIA it's planning to act, and permission isn't needed from NTIA, former government officials said.
The FCC got pushback on a proposal to allow license sizes larger than counties in the priority access licenses that will be sold to provide more protected use of the 3.5 GHz citizens broadband radio service band. Even larger carriers consider the plan flawed and sought changes. With a C-band auction looming, questions emerged on how likely carriers are to pursue the PALs during next June’s auction (see 1910170045). Many filings talked about the impact on rural areas and bidders.
The FCC released drafts of rules Tuesday to modernize unbundling and resale requirements for LECs, update suspension and debarment rules for telecom relay services programs, and modify cost recovery rules for IP-captioned telephone service (IP CTS), a form of TRS. Commissioners tentatively will vote at their Nov. 19 meeting (see 1910280054). Deregulating what incumbents must provide rival telecoms would include transition periods.
Stakeholders are debating how Lifeline is regulated after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit remanded to the FCC rules on its authority to make broadband eligible for the program. That ruling came in partly upholding the agency's 2018 net neutrality order reclassifying broadband as a Title I information service (see 1910010018). The 2-1 court decision points up uncertainty with Lifeline, stakeholders agreed in interviews this month.
The FCC released a draft proposal Tuesday to ban equipment from Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE from networks funded by the USF. Industry officials largely welcomed the order. Huawei signaled it will fight. Commissioners are scheduled to vote Nov. 19, after Chairman Ajit Pai circulated the item Monday (see 1910280054). The FCC also posted proposed new 911 location accuracy rules.
House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle, D-Pa., saw positive signs for moving forward on legislation to mandate an FCC-led public auction of spectrum on the 3.7-4.2 GHz C band after all subcommittee Democrats and several Republicans showed a clear preference for such a plan during a Tuesday hearing. The panel also was a forum for castigating the C-Band Alliance's proposal for a private auction of the bandwidth, as expected (see 1910280040). All sides continued to meet with the FCC. Chairman Ajit Pai is expected to propose a private auction plan for a vote at commissioners' Dec. 12 meeting (see 1910100052).