The U.S. and its allies will issue another set of Russian sanctions this week amid a planned meeting between President Joe Biden and European leaders, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said. The announcement will not only include new designations, Sullivan said, it also will build on efforts to ensure better enforcement of existing sanctions and export controls.
Emergency broadband benefit and affordable connectivity program spending often goes more toward upgrading existing wireline ISP subscribers’ services than toward bringing connectivity to the unconnected, ISPs and digital equity interests told us. The FCC didn't comment.
The FCC’s “top-to-bottom” review of communications companies’ ties to Russia, announced by Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel Wednesday (see 2203160031), likely has a broad focus, covering media companies, telecom and infrastructure providers, submarine cable operators and any Russian companies carrying U.S.-international phone traffic, industry experts told us. But compared with China, a recurring focus of the FCC, ties to Russia appear to be minimal.
The FCC’s “top-to-bottom” review of communications companies’ ties to Russia, announced by Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel Wednesday (see 2203160031), likely has a broad focus, covering media companies, telecom and infrastructure providers, submarine cable operators and any Russian companies carrying U.S.-international phone traffic, industry experts told us. But compared with China, a recurring focus of the FCC, ties to Russia appear to be minimal.
Lynk has tested its satellite-delivered mobile service in five nations so far, connecting to phones of eight of the largest mobile network operators, it told the FCC International Bureau in an ex parte filing Wednesday. It said it plans to offer preliminary service -- supporting messaging and emergency alerts -- in 2022 and 2023, periodic service supporting use of mobile apps and push-to-talk the following two years, and full service supporting broadband data starting in 2025. Recapping a call with staffers to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, Lynk said it discussed its plans to move from its pending application for 10 satellites under the streamlined smallsat licensing process to a larger non-geostationary orbit constellation.
Alerting companies, consumer groups and industry trade groups broadly support the FCC’s proposed rule changes to make emergency alert messages more accessible but are concerned about the timeline for implementation, possible alerting delays, and how the changes might affect alerts that use the legacy EAS system rather than the internet-based common alerting protocol, said comments posted by Friday’s deadline in docket 15-94. “The deaf and hard of hearing community faces significant problems receiving complete and timely communications warning of emergencies,” said a joint filing from user groups including the Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the National Association of the Deaf.
Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kan., introduced a bill that would allow for a one-year waiver of antidumping and countervailing duties "if there is an emergency situation including natural disasters, war, epidemics, labor disputes, or major accidents."
The House March 9 passed a government funding bill, including an emergency Ukraine-related aid package for certain U.S. export control and sanctions work.
The transition from the FCC’s emergency broadband benefit program to the affordable connectivity program has been largely smooth for most providers, said Wireline Bureau staff and industry during an FCBA webinar Wednesday (see 2111230058). Some providers said it was challenging to meet the transition deadline, and they're now focused on increasing enrollment.
The House was set to vote late Wednesday on an FY 2022 omnibus appropriations package that includes funding increases for the FCC, FTC, NTIA and other tech-related federal agencies. Preliminary votes on the measure, filed as an amendment to shell bill HR-2471, hadn't happened by our deadline as chamber leaders worked out a deal to cut COVID-19 aid language from the measure after some members objected earlier in the day. The chamber was also expected to vote on a short-term continuing resolution (House Joint Resolution 75) to extend federal funding through Tuesday in a bid to give the Senate extra time to also consider HR-2471. The current CR would otherwise expire Friday night.