FCC Chairman Ajit Pai likely faces a more complicated next two years than his first two, after Democrats retook the House (see 1811070054), if Pai stays through President Donald Trump's term. With some races still unsettled, Democrats hold a slim majority in the House and Pai will encounter the same dynamic as many predecessors after their parties lost control of the House, Senate or both. Most industry officials agreed FCC work likely will slow slightly on some of bigger, controversial items.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police “strongly supports” the Don’t Break Up the T-Band Act, President Paul Cell wrote leaders of the House and Senate Commerce committees. HR-5085/S-3347) would repeal a provision of the 2012 spectrum law that mandates public safety agencies move off the 470-512 MHz T-band by 2021 (see 1808020051). “Law enforcement and other public safety entities in and around eleven metropolitan areas,” including New York, Los Angeles and Washington, use the T-band “to support critical public safety communications and provide regional interoperability among first responders,” Cell said. HR-5085/S-3347 would “allow public safety to continue using” the band “to accomplish its mission of providing emergency services” to more than 90 million citizens. The International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Sheriffs' Association and Greater Boston Police Council back the bill.
BMI appoints Michael Collins, from Mehlman Castagnetti, vice president-government relations ... FirstNet names Flynn Rico-Johnson, ex-office of Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., to government affairs team ... Disney promotes Russell Wolff to executive vice president-general manager of its ESPN Plus direct-to-consumer video service ... Cinedigm names Bill Sondheim president-worldwide distribution; he remains president, Cinedigm Entertainment Group.
BMI appoints Michael Collins, from Mehlman Castagnetti, vice president-government relations ... Buchanan & Edwards taps Cal Shintani, ex-HighPoint Global, as chief growth officer ... Disney promotes Russell Wolff to executive vice president-general manager of its ESPN Plus direct-to-consumer video service ... Cinedigm names Bill Sondheim president-worldwide distribution; he remains president, Cinedigm Entertainment Group ... President Donald Trump to nominate Joseph Cuffari, office of Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R), as homeland security inspector general.
Most commenters welcome moves to open the 3.4-4.2 GHz C-band for 5G, as some question the FCC’s proposed market-based approach to making licenses available. Questions remain how to create a smooth glide path there for satellite operators. Tuesday, some said the FCC appears to want to move quickly on the band, but final rules are unlikely until late 2019.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr and others at a 5G Americas technology forum Thursday welcomed President Donald Trump directing development of a comprehensive national spectrum policy (see 1810250018). Trump also rescinded two Obama administration spectrum policy memos. The Trump memo requires all government agencies report to the Commerce Department on their current and anticipated spectrum requirements. Reports will be due at the White House in 180 days, with a strategy due 90 days later.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr and others at a 5G Americas technology forum Thursday welcomed President Donald Trump directing development of a comprehensive national spectrum policy (see 1810250018). Trump also rescinded two Obama administration spectrum policy memos. The Trump memo requires all government agencies report to the Commerce Department on their current and anticipated spectrum requirements. Reports will be due at the White House in 180 days, with a strategy due 90 days later.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr and others at a 5G Americas technology forum Thursday welcomed President Donald Trump directing development of a comprehensive national spectrum policy (see 1810250018). Trump also rescinded two Obama administration spectrum policy memos. The Trump memo requires all government agencies report to the Commerce Department on their current and anticipated spectrum requirements. Reports will be due at the White House in 180 days, with a strategy due 90 days later.
AT&T said it will be the first U.S. carrier to offer mobile 5G, with launch in weeks. Verizon was first with a fixed wireless 5G product earlier this month (see 1810010028). AT&T reported a 346,000 Q3 net loss in DirecTV subscribers and earnings below expectations. The stock closed down 8.1 percent at $30.36.
AT&T said it will be the first U.S. carrier to offer mobile 5G, with launch in weeks. Verizon was first with a fixed wireless 5G product earlier this month (see 1810010028). AT&T reported a 346,000 Q3 net loss in DirecTV subscribers and earnings below expectations. The stock closed down 8.1 percent at $30.36.