An FCC draft Further NPRM on tightening rules for the public safety answering point Do Not Call registry may be unanimously OK'd during commissioners’ Sept. 30 meeting, said experts in recent interviews. The FCC established the PSAP registry in 2012 as mandated by 2012's Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act (see 1210180072). The new draft proposes to allow voice service providers access to the registry to block robocalls to registered numbers.
The reconstituted Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council met virtually for a little more than an hour Wednesday, getting an update on the work it’s expected to do under its charter that expires in June 2023 (see 2103100054). CSRIC last met in March, wrapping up reports started during the previous administration (see 2012090055). “Every day in our lives, there are too many cyber events that have the potential to harm the safety and well-being of people and businesses all across the country,” said acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “No entity is immune from this threat," she said. "It is time to turn resolve into action.” The need for tighter security is more critical as 5G launches, she said. The promises of 5G will come “only if we properly secure our networks and the communications supply chain,” she said. Rosenworcel, who has made collaboration with other agencies a priority, said it's “really important” that the group will be co-chaired by Billy Bob Brown from the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (see 2109140057). “It really does take a constellation of partners all working together in order to achieve security and resilience for the nation,” Brown said. Co-chair Nasrin Rezai, Verizon chief information security officer, briefly discussed each of the six working groups and asked members to volunteer for assignments. They are: 5G Signaling Protocols Security; Promoting Security, Reliability and Interoperability of Open Radio Access Network Equipment; Leveraging Virtualization Technology to Promote Secure, Reliable 5G Networks; 911 Service Over Wi-Fi; Managing Software & Cloud Services Supply Chain Security for Communications Infrastructure; and Leveraging Mobile Device Applications and Firmware to Enhance Wireless Emergency Alerts. The working groups all focus on real world problems that face industry, Rosenworcel said: “These issues are evolving fast and it can often feel like we’re playing catch up.”
The House approved on a voice vote Wednesday an en bloc amendment to the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (HR-4350) that includes the 911 Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services Act (see 2109210083). HR-2351 would change classification of public safety call-takers and dispatchers to "protective service.” Rep. Norma Torres, D-Calif., sought to attach HR-2351’s text to HR-4350. The en bloc amendment also included a proposal from Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., to require the State Department to report to Congress on the “national security implications” of open radio access networks. An en bloc amendment up for House consideration includes language from Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., to attach his Promoting U.S. Wireless Leadership Act (HR-3003). Another amendments package includes text from Rep. Tom Malinowski, D-N.J., to prohibit federal agencies from requiring or supporting tech companies’ efforts to add back doors or other security vulnerabilities. Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., will get a vote on her proposal for a report on feasibility of an interagency U.S.-Taiwan working group to cooperate on chip supply issues.
The reconstituted Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council met virtually for a little more than an hour Wednesday, getting an update on the work it’s expected to do under its charter that expires in June 2023 (see 2103100054). CSRIC last met in March, wrapping up reports started during the previous administration (see 2012090055). “Every day in our lives, there are too many cyber events that have the potential to harm the safety and well-being of people and businesses all across the country,” said acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “No entity is immune from this threat," she said. "It is time to turn resolve into action.” The need for tighter security is more critical as 5G launches, she said. The promises of 5G will come “only if we properly secure our networks and the communications supply chain,” she said. Rosenworcel, who has made collaboration with other agencies a priority, said it's “really important” that the group will be co-chaired by Billy Bob Brown from the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (see 2109140057). “It really does take a constellation of partners all working together in order to achieve security and resilience for the nation,” Brown said. Co-chair Nasrin Rezai, Verizon chief information security officer, briefly discussed each of the six working groups and asked members to volunteer for assignments. They are: 5G Signaling Protocols Security; Promoting Security, Reliability and Interoperability of Open Radio Access Network Equipment; Leveraging Virtualization Technology to Promote Secure, Reliable 5G Networks; 911 Service Over Wi-Fi; Managing Software & Cloud Services Supply Chain Security for Communications Infrastructure; and Leveraging Mobile Device Applications and Firmware to Enhance Wireless Emergency Alerts. The working groups all focus on real world problems that face industry, Rosenworcel said: “These issues are evolving fast and it can often feel like we’re playing catch up.”
Congressional Democrats are returning from a month-plus recess more willing to vent frustrations over President Joe Biden’s delay in announcing nominees to two Democratic FCC seats. They cite growing concerns the sometimes-lengthy Senate confirmation process could result in the current 2-2 split commission switching to a 2-1 GOP majority in January. Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s term expired in June 2020, meaning she would have to leave Jan. 3 absent Senate reconfirmation.
The House Rules Committee agreed Tuesday to allow floor votes on three telecom amendments to the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (HR-4350). They include one from Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., to require the State Department to report to Congress on “national security implications” of open radio access networks. The House will consider an amendment from Rep. Norma Torres, D-Calif., to attach her 911 Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services Act. HR-2351 would classify public safety call-takers and dispatchers as "protective service occupations.” Lawmakers will vote on a proposal from Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., to attach his Promoting U.S. Wireless Leadership Act. HR-3003, which the House passed in July (see 2107200072), would direct NTIA to encourage U.S. companies and others to participate in international standards-setting bodies.
Two nominees to lead the Bureau of Industry and Security said they will prioritize stopping illegal technology exports to China and are willing to bypass multilateral controls on certain sensitive technologies if unilateral restrictions are warranted. But Alan Estevez, President Joe Biden’s nominee for BIS undersecretary, and Thea Kendler, the nominee for assistant secretary for export administration, also stressed that export control cooperation with allies is crucial and committed to working to convince trade partners to adopt more controls.
The FCC 911 fee diversion strike force voted unanimously Friday during a virtual meeting to approve its final report as written. It will be sent to Congress and covers the impacts of and recommendations to fee transfers. The document is mandated by the Don’t Break Up the T-Band Act (see 2108020051). All but two of the group’s members participated.
Northwell telehealth services are accessible on the Walgreens Find Care platform in New York state under the digital component of a five-year “strategic affiliation” agreement announced Thursday between the national pharmacy chain and New York’s largest healthcare provider. The agreement also calls for expanding patients’ access to virtual emergency care services from board-certified doctors, they said.
Northwell telehealth services are accessible on the Walgreens Find Care platform in New York state under the digital component of a five-year “strategic affiliation” agreement announced Thursday between the national pharmacy chain and New York’s largest healthcare provider. The agreement also calls for expanding patients’ access to virtual emergency care services from board-certified doctors, they said.