The U.S. extended by one year a national emergency authorizing sanctions against foreign people and entities that interfere in U.S. elections, the White House said Sept. 10. The authority would have expired Sept. 12.
Lawmakers will probably not be able to repeal the 2012 Spectrum Act's mandate for public safety to move off the 470-512 MHz T band until Congress’ post-election lame-duck session because of the likely lack of a viable legislative vehicle before that time, officials and lobbyists told us. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai simultaneously circulated an auction NPRM and urged Congress in May to repeal the mandate (see 2005150053) because the sale was “a bad idea.”
The House Commerce Committee advanced three telecom bills Wednesday, including bipartisan voice votes in favor of the Expanding Broadcast Ownership Opportunities Act (HR-3957) and the Preserving Home and Office Numbers in Emergencies Act (HR-1289). The committee also advanced the Enhancing Broadcaster Diversity and Inclusion by Verifying and Ensuring the Reporting Required by Statute Is Transpiring and Yielding Data Act (HR-5564) despite opposition from ranking member Greg Walden of Oregon and other Republicans. Chairman Frank Pallone, D-N.J., said “we’re going to try” to seek floor votes on at least some of the measures this month.
The FCC posted items for commissioners’ Sept. 30 meeting Wednesday, including on spectrum items targeting the use of 3.45-3.55 GHz for 5G, long sought by carriers, and rewriting the rules for the 4.9 GHz band. NTIA weighed in on 3.45-3.55 (see 2009090058). Drafts were also circulated on an order cutting IP captioned telephone service rates. Chairman Ajit Pai laid out the agenda Tuesday (see 2009080068).
APCO asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to stay the FCC’s April order allowing Wi-Fi and other unlicensed users to share the 6 GHz band (see 2004230059). “In adopting the Order establishing the new rules, the Commission sacrificed the reliability of the nation’s public safety systems to indulge the possibilities of faster WiFi routers and other devices,” APCO said in a Friday motion in docket 20-1272 (in Pacer). “Public safety agencies nationwide have used the 6 GHz band for decades to support mission-critical operations such as dispatching first responders and maintaining voice communications during emergencies,” APCO said: “Without immediate relief, untraceable and unrecallable unlicensed devices will flood the market before the holiday season. Interference from these devices will disrupt mission-critical public safety communications.”
A United Kingdom national pleaded guilty to attempting to export a gas turbine to Iran, following his arrest at a Florida airport in August by federal agents upon his arrival from the United Arab Emirates, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida said in a Sept. 1 press release. Colin Fisher had been trying to buy a gas turbine from Pensacola-based Turbine Resources International LLC on behalf of a UAE company. Fisher and TRI’s CEO and president, James Meharg, both knew the gas turbine was eventually destined to Iran. Meharg is already serving a 40-month sentence in federal prison for his part in the scheme. Fisher was arrested before the deal could be consummated, and the turbine was seized before it was shipped. Fisher faces up to 20 years in prison for violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and up to 10 years for attempted smuggling. A sentencing date has been set for Nov. 10,
House Commerce Committee ranking member Greg Walden, R-Ore., filed the Broadcast Diversity in Leadership Act Tuesday in a bid to increase broadcaster ownership diversity and support local outlets. The measure would require the FCC set up an incubator program “to support the entry of new and diverse voices in the broadcasting industry by providing for an established broadcaster and an emerging broadcaster to enter into a qualifying incubation relationship with respect to one or more incubated stations of the emerging” broadcaster. Walden said, “We must ensure our local broadcast media stations can continue to compete in today’s media marketplace.” NAB “strongly supports efforts to increase media ownership diversity by providing pathways to station ownership for new and diverse voices,” said CEO Gordon Smith. The Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council and National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters also cheered. The bill’s language is similar to a provision jettisoned from the Expanding Broadcast Ownership Opportunities Act (HR-3957) when the House Communications Subcommittee advanced that measure in March (see 2003100067). Supporters of media diversity legislation believe the amplified national conversation about racism after recent police-involved deaths of Black people is providing an opening to grow momentum on Capitol Hill (see 2006290057).
Law enforcement is grappling with an increase in child exploitation as online activity surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, police and child advocates said in interviews. Law enforcement officials cited cyber tip increases across the country. Advocates want more investigatory resources, national legislation and for Big Tech to be held accountable.
Law enforcement is grappling with an increase in child exploitation as online activity surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, police and child advocates said in interviews. Law enforcement officials cited cyber tip increases across the country. Advocates want more investigatory resources, national legislation and for Big Tech to be held accountable.
With the launch of FirstNet, and federal focus on interoperable communications, federal-local government relationships have improved markedly over the past 10 years, experts said Thursday on the final day of IWCE's virtual conference. Others said gaps remain.