One of two telecom-related resolutions on the agenda for the NARUC meeting Nov. 8-11 in Austin is expected to be controversial, but both should generate discussion, said a number of state commissioners. The first resolution is to preserve competition on government-subsidized networks. Nebraska Public Service Commissioners Crystal Rhoades and Tim Schram are the sponsors. The second resolution is for NARUC to endorse the FCC Task Force on Optimal Public Safety Answering Point Architecture Working Group 3’s recently released report. Washington Utilities and Transportation Commissioner Philip Jones, who chaired the working group, helped write the report and sponsored the resolution.
Incumbent telcos opposed the FCC's tech transition proposals for assessing the adequacy of IP-based services intended to replace legacy copper-based phone services being discontinued. They said the commission’s proposed standards could slow the IP transition and broadband deployment, with AT&T suggesting it would be unlawful. Rural carriers asked the agency to clarify that they were covered by a rural exemption. But competitors, consumer groups, public safety groups, state regulators, electric power groups and others voiced varying degrees of support for proposed criteria, and some suggested additional criteria, including on affordability.
Allowing the use of 700 MHz reserve channels for deployable trunked systems is beneficial to public safety and will help emergency response communications and interoperability at major incidents or large planned events, the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council said in a blog post Friday. Regional planning committees may now use the channels in their plans for deployable trunked systems outside of T-band areas, NPSTC said. Any public safety T-band incumbent seeking to relocate must be given priority access to the channels, the post said. NPSTC and the National Regional Planning Council earlier this month released a report on recommended technical solutions to implement the new deployable trunked systems. It recommended best practices to enable improved interoperability among public safety entities that implement deployable trunked systems.
Consensus seems unlikely anytime soon among industry and privacy advocates on drones, both sides and the government facilitator signaled during their meeting Wednesday. With agreement a way's off, there may be more meetings than had been scheduled. By the end of the meeting, the parties didn't appear any closer together than when the gathering began.
Consensus seems unlikely anytime soon among industry and privacy advocates on drones, both sides and the government facilitator signaled during their meeting Wednesday. With agreement a way's off, there may be more meetings than had been scheduled. By the end of the meeting, the parties didn't appear any closer together than when the gathering began.
Consensus seems unlikely anytime soon among industry and privacy advocates on drones, both sides and the government facilitator signaled during their meeting Wednesday. With agreement a way's off, there may be more meetings than had been scheduled. By the end of the meeting, the parties didn't appear any closer together than when the gathering began.
The FCC should add broadband to its Lifeline program to augment the current program so low-income families can afford Internet services, said the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) in comments Monday in docket 11-42. The program should require Internet providers have an affordable, unbundled option that costs about $10 per month, said CETF. The program shouldn't force people to choose between phone and Internet service, it said. There should also be a streamlined process for third-party verification of eligibility, said CETF. It asked the FCC to encourage states to have their own Lifeline program to supplement the national one.
The FCC should add broadband to its Lifeline program to augment the current program so low-income families can afford Internet services, said the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) in comments Monday in docket 11-42. The program should require Internet providers have an affordable, unbundled option that costs about $10 per month, said CETF. The program shouldn't force people to choose between phone and Internet service, it said. There should also be a streamlined process for third-party verification of eligibility, said CETF. It asked the FCC to encourage states to have their own Lifeline program to supplement the national one.
Witnesses from the FTC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will raise concerns with a legislative staff discussion draft that includes multiple proposals intended to improve motor vehicle safety processes and issues like cybersecurity. Their issues will be raised during a House Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee hearing Wednesday, according to prepared testimony. NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind and FTC Privacy and Identity Protection Division Associate Director Maneesha Mithal will testify during a first panel beginning at 10 a.m. in 2123 Rayburn.
SAN FRANCISCO -- Fiber deployment to customers is edging up due to market forces, and could expand more rapidly if government authorities would lower obstacles, said Comptel Plus panelists. Fiber to the Home Council President Heather Gold said the percentage of homes passed by fiber is only about 25 percent, but should approach 70 percent within five years.