The Wireless Infrastructure Association and others are expected to argue at a Tuesday Senate Communications Subcommittee hearing that lawmakers should consider network resiliency issues as they decide the contours of connectivity language in upcoming infrastructure spending legislation. Subpanel lawmakers said they intend to look at how to move forward on a to-be-refiled version of the Reinforcing and Evaluating Service Integrity, Local Infrastructure and Emergency Notification for Today’s (Resilient) Networks Act (see 2102160067) and other resiliency-centric bills. The partly virtual hearing begins at 2:30 p.m. in 253 Russell.
Updated wireless emergency alert/emergency alert service rules approved 4-0 by FCC commissioners Thursday (see 2106170063) explain more fully than the draft order why the commission declined to take up a New York City Emergency Management request, per our comparison of the draft with the approved order. NYCEM asked the FCC to require government entities that originate WEAs to file mandatory false alert reports as part of a pact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The commission said now that while the update sets up a voluntary system for reporting false alerts, doing so seems consistent with requirements in last year's National Defense Authorization Act, so the agency declined to take up NYCEM's request.
CTA raised concerns as FCC commissioners approved 4-0 Thursday an NPRM and notice of inquiry that would further clamp down on gear from companies deemed to pose a security risk in U.S. networks. Commissioners said several questions were added since a draft of the item circulated, as expected (see 2106090063).
FCC commissioners approved 4-0 Thursday revised RF device marketing and importation rules aimed at shortening the time for developing and releasing new wireless devices, as expected (see 2106150074). CTA sought the revised rules last year. Other agenda items, including rules for a robocall reporting portal, upholding a $2.86 million fine against HobbyKing for sale of unapproved drone transmitters, and updated wireless emergency alert (WEA) and emergency alert services (EAS) rules, were also adopted unanimously.
CTA raised concerns as FCC commissioners approved 4-0 Thursday an NPRM and notice of inquiry that would further clamp down on gear from companies deemed to pose a security risk in U.S. networks. Commissioners said several questions were added since a draft of the item circulated, as expected (see 2106090063).
Broadband maps "are not what they should be," said FCC acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel during a Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caucus virtual panel Wednesday. It's "vital" the FCC start developing maps with more precise data, Rosenworcel said, adding that universities have an opportunity to participate: "There's no one better equipped to start telling us if in fact there's service in a place or not" (see 2102260046). Total connectivity should be a "national goal," Rosenworcel told the congressional caucus, citing affordability as a "huge crisis" in the digital divide. The emergency broadband benefit program is a "really terrific tool we have now to get more students connected," Rosenworcel said. "The most important thing is that we get the word out," about EBB and other COVID-19-related broadband programs, she said, and the commission partnered with the Department of Education to send email notices to Pell Grant recipients about their EBB eligibility.
Broadband maps "are not what they should be," said FCC acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel during a Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caucus virtual panel Wednesday. It's "vital" the FCC start developing maps with more precise data, Rosenworcel said, adding that universities have an opportunity to participate: "There's no one better equipped to start telling us if in fact there's service in a place or not" (see 2102260046). Total connectivity should be a "national goal," Rosenworcel told the congressional caucus, citing affordability as a "huge crisis" in the digital divide. The emergency broadband benefit program is a "really terrific tool we have now to get more students connected," Rosenworcel said. "The most important thing is that we get the word out," about EBB and other COVID-19-related broadband programs, she said, and the commission partnered with the Department of Education to send email notices to Pell Grant recipients about their EBB eligibility.
Republican lawmakers again threatened to remove export control responsibilities from the Commerce Department if it doesn’t move faster to issue restrictions over emerging and foundational technologies, doubling down on criticism levied at agency officials for months. The latest threat, sent in a June 15 letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and signed by 10 Republican senators, highlights the tension between an agency that wants to avoid rushing into overbroad controls that could harm U.S. companies and lawmakers who say Commerce is neglecting a congressional mandate to restrict sensitive exports to China.
The House Science Committee unanimously advanced Tuesday the National Science Foundation for the Future Act (HR-2225), setting up a likely showdown on whether the chamber will approve that bill rather than the rival Senate-passed U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (S-1260). Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, prefers HR-2225’s approach to countering Chinese tech R&D. S-1260 would establish an NSF Technology Directorate; HR-2225 would establish a generalized Directorate for Science and Engineering Solutions.
The U.S.-European Union joint statement on trade says: "We will engage in discussions to allow the resolution of existing differences on measures regarding steel and aluminum before the end of the year. In this regard, we are determined to work together to resolve tensions arising from the U.S. application of tariffs on imports from the EU under U.S. Section 232." It also says, "We commit to ensure the long-term viability of our steel and aluminum industries, and to address excess capacity."