The push to reauthorize the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act is gaining support on Capitol Hill, including among top members of the Commerce committees. Interest in the policy debate is particularly strong on Senate Commerce, with communications policy-focused members telling us they agree with committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., that it's a must-pass bill (see 1902270018). Members of the House and Senate Judiciary committees, which also have jurisdiction over STELA recertification, also showed interest in interviews.
FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel dissented on a Further NPRM proposing vertical accuracy standards for wireless calls indoors to 911. Commissioner Geoffrey Starks voted yes in part and concurred in part. The questions were expected (see 1903140043). The FNPRM proposes a vertical location accuracy metric, or z-axis, of plus or minus 3 meters for 80 percent of indoor wireless calls to 911.
New York will apply existing pole attachment requirements to wireless providers while the Public Service Commission considers other ways to streamline wireline and wireless deployment in the state, commissioners unanimously decided Thursday. Commissioners voted 4-0 at their livestreamed meeting to partly grant a nearly 3-year-old CTIA petition in docket 16-M-0330 for relief so wireless providers may quickly deploy small cells and distributed antenna systems needed for 5G services (see 1608020029).
The FCC’s draft low-power TV, translator and FM radio reimbursement order isn’t expected to be much changed from its circulated version and is considered largely uncontroversial, agency and industry officials told us. NPR, T-Mobile and several Class A broadcasters (see 1903070071) lobbied the agency for changes to the item. Now, FCC officials said few changes are likely. The order is to get a vote at Friday's commissioners' meeting.
Commissioners are expected to approve a Further NPRM Friday that would enable first responders to more accurately identify the floor level for most wireless 911 calls from multistory buildings. Commissioners Jessica Rosenworcel and Geoffrey Starks are expected to raise questions about the FCC's approach. The FNPRM proposes a vertical location accuracy metric, a z-axis, of plus or minus 3 meters for 80 percent of indoor wireless calls to 911.
Apple continues to give itself “an unfair advantage at every turn,” said Spotify CEO Daniel Ek in a Wednesday blog post. His company's antitrust complaint against Apple was filed Monday with the European Commission.
The U.S. might need legislation to combat the influx of frivolous Chinese trademark applications, Patent and Trademark Office Director Andrei Iancu told the Senate Intellectual Property Subcommittee Wednesday. Chinese trademark applications have increased 1,100 percent cumulatively in the past six years, he said. Iancu noted at the hearing, however, that Chinese applications have decreased to start 2019, possibly because of increased scrutiny.
Administration debates over spectrum use for satellite vs. 5G "have been intense," Commerce Department Office of Space Commerce Director Kevin O'Connell said in Senate Commerce Committee testimony Wednesday. He said a worry on the space side is protecting taxpayer investments in federal capabilities like GPS and weather prediction via NOAA satellites, and Commerce wants to ensure the space community has an advocate while a 5G strategy is formulated.
The FCC should study health risks of 5G RF emissions, city council members in Portland, Oregon, agreed Wednesday. The council, comprised of Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) and four commissioners, unanimously agreed to a resolution asking the FCC to work with the Food and Drug Administration and other federal agencies to revisit the RF emissions issue.
The TV Parental Guidelines Monitoring Board lacks transparency, has an inherent conflict of interest and inaccurately rates TV content, said parent advocacy groups and many of the approximately 1,600 individual commenters. Docket 19-41 responses were on the FCC’s congressionally mandated call for filings (see 1903010046)on the TV ratings system and the board that oversees it.