Some voiced skepticism about possible FCC robocalling actions to speed unblocking of erroneously blocked calls. FTC staff and CTIA said new requirements weren't justified, though a Maryland county consumer office was supportive. Comments were posted this week in docket 17-59 on a November Further NPRM attached to an order (see 1711160054 and 1711200055).
Lawmakers’ focus on extremist online content and sex-trafficking legislation were major lobbying issues for tech companies in Q4, in addition to net neutrality, cybersecurity and renewal of Section 702 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act authority (see 1801190062 and 1801220057). Amazon, Facebook and Google spent more than in the past Q4s, collectively over $10.5 million. Twitter reported slightly less spending than the previous year, $140,000, down from 2016's $170,000, but still more than double the $50,000 in 2013. Entities lobbying Capitol Hill and federal agencies on broadband infrastructure issues more than doubled in Q4 from the year-before quarter (see 1801230068).
The FCC deserves praise for its response to 2017’s rush of storms but could improve its Disaster Information Reporting System, provide incentives or funding to strengthen communications infrastructure in remote areas, and establish a regional office in Puerto Rico, said commenters in docket 17-344 to a call for comments on communications resiliency and FCC handling of hurricanes Irma, Maria and Harvey.
Entities lobbying Capitol Hill and federal agencies on broadband infrastructure issues more than doubled in Q4 compared with the same period in 2016, disclosure filings released through our deadline Tuesday show. Overall lobbying spending by telecom companies and associated groups increased during Q4, though three of the top four carriers -- AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon -- reported expenditures dropped or remained flat. Tech sector firms' lobbying priorities during the quarter included lawmakers' focus on extremist online content and legislation aimed at curbing online sex trafficking (see 1801230061). Partial figures on Q4 spending were available Monday (see 1801220057). Tech lobbying spending reached a recent high (see 1801230068).
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s proposal for an Office of Economics and Analytics is expected to be OK'ed at the Jan. 30 commissioners’ meeting largely as proposed, given the minority members' concerns may not be addressed. The item could face opposition from the two Democratic commissioners, Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel, industry and agency officials said. Clyburn in particular may make clear her concerns during next week’s meeting, the officials said. Republican Commissioner Mike O’Rielly told reporters Monday he's studying the proposal (see 1801220040).
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai vowed at BDAC’s Tuesday meeting to take up recommendations by the Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee. Local government members slammed the committee’s work. AT&T battled at length with competitor Google Fiber over one-touch, make-ready (OTMR) policy recommended by one working group, and the panel voted 24-2 to require the practice for simple pole-attachment work.
"Funding principles” for the anticipated infrastructure legislative package pending from President Donald Trump’s administration include language that would make telecom and broadband projects eligible for funding in limited circumstances, said a draft we obtained Monday. Trump may release the full infrastructure proposal around the time of his Jan. 30 State of the Union address, with Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., telling reporters last week a hearing on broadband issues could come soon after (see 1801170054).
Qualcomm and other companies, including three automakers, are promoting what they say could be an alternative to dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) in the 5.9 GHz band -- new cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology. FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly mentioned the push Monday in a meeting reporters (see 1801220040). Qualcomm demonstrated C-V2X at the recent CES, showing potential uses in a test in San Diego, broadcast in Qualcomm’s CES booth.
Facebook spent significantly more in Q4 lobbying than during the previous year’s period, lobbying disclosures show. It spent $3 million, up from the $1.7 million last year. In addition to Facebook's report, the company reported paying firms including BakerHostetler; Blue Mountain Strategies, David Wade/GreenLight Strategies, Harbinger Strategies, Ogilvy Government Relations, Peck Madigan Jones, Signal Group Consulting, Steptoe & Johnson, Subject Matter and theGROUP $445,000 for technology policy work, including cybersecurity, advertising transparency and platform integrity.
Commissioner Mike O’Rielly said Monday he was asked by Chairman Ajit Pai to help build support on Capitol Hill for addressing FCC auction authority. “I’ve pushed as hard as I possibly can and will continue,” O’Rielly said, saying he testified on the importance of a fix and discussed it in Hill meetings. Sometimes Congress needs an “incident” to happen before it's willing to move, he told reporters. He also said he's confident the FCC's net neutrality repeal won't be overturned by lawmakers or courts.