House Seeks Update on Location Data-Sharing Probe
Eleven Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats sent a letter to FCC Chairman expressing growing concern that the FCC is failing to protect consumers’ privacy by refusing to hold wireless carriers accountable for unauthorized disclosures of consumers’ real-time location data. The members asked Chairman Pai to provide them with an update on the FCC’s investigation by November 29, 2019.
Read MoreTopics: Consumer Protection, Location Data-Sharing, Missouri Broadband Grants
USDA Announces Broadband Grant in North Carolina
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it has invested $23.7 million in high-speed broadband infrastructure that will create or improve rural e-Connectivity for nearly 8,750 rural households in North Carolina.
Read MoreTopics: USDA Broadband Grant, 511 Traveler Help, Colorado 511, Broadband Grant in North Carolina
FCC's Updated Minimum Lifeline Service Standards to Take Effect Next Month
The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) announced updated minimum service standard levels for speed and usage allowances for Lifeline-supported fixed broadband and mobile voice services.
Read MoreTopics: Rural Tribal Mapping, Public Safety and Telehealth Reports, Lifeline Service Standards
US House Privacy Legislation
Topics: Privacy Legislation, Digital Privacy Agency, Online Privacy Act of 2019, 911 Outage Settlements
What will the FCC be tackling next?
Chairman Pai’s theme for the November 22, 2019 Open Meeting is “Protecting National Security and Public Safety.” This is a reference to two of the items: one that would prohibit the use of any federal universal service funds to purchase equipment or services from a company that poses a national security risk and another that would adopt vertical location (z-axis) accuracy metrics for wireless calls to help first responders identify a 911 caller’s location in a high-rise building.
Read MoreTopics: National Security, Wireless E911 Location Accuracy, Unbundling and Resale Rules, IP CTS Support, Suspension and Debarment, USF Programs, TRS Programs
FCC Approves TMobile/Sprint Merger
The FCC announced it had approved, with conditions, the transfer of control applications filed by TMobile and Sprint. The FCC found that the transaction will help close the digital divide and advance US leadership in 5G, the next generation of wireless connectivity.
Read MoreTopics: FCC Open Meeting for November, National Security, Sprint T-Mobile Merger, Wireless E911 Location Accuracy, Unbundling and Resale Rules, TRS Fund Contribution
FCC VoIP 911 Fee Declaratory Ruling
At its Open Meeting today, the FCC voted to issue a Declaratory Ruling clarifying that state, local, and Tribal governments cannot charge the same class of subscribers total 911 fees that are higher for VoIP services than for traditional telecommunications services with the same 911 calling capability. The FCC said that such treatment is discriminatory and conflicts with the NET 911 Act of 2008, which provides that a 911 fee or charge on VoIP service subscribers “may not exceed the amount of any such fee or charge applicable to the same class of subscribers to telecommunications services.”
Read MoreTopics: National Institute of Standards and Technology, VoIP 911 Fee, FCC Tariff Filing Rules, NIST Privacy Framework, CAF II Performance Testing
US Senate Suicide Hotline Bill Introduced
U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI),Cory Gardner (R-CO), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jack Reed (D-RI) announced they introduced the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (S2661) that directs the FCC to designate 9-8-8 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This line would include the Veterans Crisis Line for veteran-specific mental health support. Additionally, the legislation will authorize the ability of states to collect fees to ensure local call centers are able to support increased volume.
Read MoreTopics: FCC Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee, Broadband Milestone Report, FCC Broadband Deployment Report, National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, 9-8-8, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Iowa Governor Touts Report Highlighting K-12 Broadband Access
In a press release, Governor Reynolds announced that Iowa’s classrooms are more connected today than ever before.
Read MoreTopics: National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier, USDA, NLEV, Iowa Broadband Access, South Carolina Broadband Grant
FCC Seeks Comment on Effectiveness of Tribal Engagement Guidelines
The FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) is seeking comment on how best to facilitate and improve dialogue and coordination between Tribes and Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) to ensure successful broadband deployment and adoption on Tribal lands.
Read MoreTopics: Tribal Engagement Guidelines, EMCs offering Broadband Services, electric members corporations
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