Today’s Regulatory Mix: California Seeks Geospatial Data for Statewide Open-Access Middle-Mile Broadband Network, FCC Investigating Allegations of Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Misconduct, Internet of Things Notice of Inquiry
California Seeks Geospatial Data for Statewide Open-Access Middle-Mile Broadband Network
In response to Senate Bill 156, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is seeking information on the current location, routes, availability, and other aspects of commercial sources of middle-mile broadband network services. The CPUC has circulated a data request to all facilities-based communications service providers.
Inteserra Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 9/27/21
FCC Investigating Allegations of Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Misconduct
FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel acknowledged the concerns raised by ACA Connects about participating providers transferring a household’s Emergency Broadband Benefits Program from one provider to another without the household’s knowledge or intent. “We need to make sure this program is well run and fair to consumers. And if consumers are having problems, I’m going to encourage them to file a complaint with the FCC, in part because we will help them resolve those issues, but also because it allows us to identify patterns and practices that may be problematic,” Rosenworcel said at a press conference following the Commission’s Open Meeting Thursday.
Internet of Things Notice of Inquiry
The FCC published a Notice of Inquiry seeking comment on issues related to spectrum for the Internet of Things as required by the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (the Act). The Act requires the Commission to issue obtain input on the current and future spectrum needs “to enable better connectivity relating to the Internet of Things (IoT).” Broadly, the Act instructs the FCC to obtain input on factors that will bear on the growth of the IoT, including any regulatory barriers that may hinder the provision of spectrum needed to support uses relating to the IoT.
The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.