Senate Committee Approves FCC Nominations
The Senate Commerce Committee on June 18th approved the nomination of Julius Genachowski for FCC chairman and the renomination of Robert McDowell as FCC commissioner after holding well-attended hearing that touched on broadband, and economic stimulus funds.
Rockefeller, D-WV, started the nomination hearing by focusing on Julius Genachowski and addressing the need for Genachowski to transform the FCC into a transparent agency that “inspires public confidence.” Genachowski was also asked questions about broadband deployment, broadband mapping, USF reform, interoperable public safety communications networks, spectrum usage, low power FM, and media diversity.
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller, D-WV, said he would not support a Senate vote on McDowell until the Senator is satisfied that McDowell supports the E-rate program, one of four universal support mechanisms that provides assistance for telecommunications and Internet access to schools and libraries.
House Bill Would Weigh Cost of Broadband Plans
Rep. Eric J. Massa, D-NY, last week introduced the legislation that would direct the FTC in consultation with the FCC to review volume usage service plans of major broadband Internet service providers to ensure that such plans are fairly based on cost. The Broadband Internet Fairness Act, H.R. 2902, has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Among the proposed requirements, the bill would:
- Require ISPs to submit plans to the FTC, in consultation with the FCC, if they plan to move to a usage-based plan;
- Prohibit volume usage plans if the FTC determines that these plans are imposing rates, terms, and conditions that are unreasonable or discriminatory;
- Establish public hearings for plans submitted to the FTC;
- Only impact ISPs with 2 million or more subscribers; and
- Impose penalties, including up to $1 million in fines, for broadband ISPs that do not follow these rules.
Alvarion Selected as Open Range’s WiMAX Provider for Its RUS Funded Wireless Network
Alvarion, a leading provider of WiMAX and wireless broadband solutions, recently announced it was selected by Open Range Communications to provide equipment for the nation’s largest Rural Utilities Service (RUS) funded deployment spanning 17 states, 546 rural communities, and reaching up to 6 million people. Open Range plans to offer 4G services to unserved and underserved areas in rural areas beginning in the fourth quarter of this year. Alvarion will be providing radio access equipment, customer devices, and systems integration services. Alvarion was the first WiMAX equipment supplier to receive USDA acceptance and Buy American status for two of its BreezeMAX base stations. Open Range plans to offer fixed and mobile broadband service with minimum speeds of 1.5 Mbps down and 512 kbps up. Broadband service will retail starting at less than $40 per month and voice service will be available for less than $30 per month, including unlimited nationwide calling.
FCC to Discuss the Development of a National Broadband Plan at the July Meeting
The FCC announced its tentative agenda for the upcoming July 2nd Open Meeting. The FCC will present a status report on its progress for developing a National Broadband Plan. The Commission plans to consider three items: (1) a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on allocating spectrum in the 2.3 GHz and 5.2 GHz bands and establishing service and technical rules for operation of medical body area networks, a medical monitoring network; (2) a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order on modifying and streamlining the rules governing fixed wireless services in the 6 GHz and 23 GHz bands; and (3) a Report and Order on rule changes to expand the permissible service of authorized FM translator stations to allow their use as a fill-in service for AM radio station. FCC staff will also present a status report on the June 12th DTV transition and an action plan for helping consumers navigate the transition.
FCC To Host Indian Telecommunications Initiatives Workshop
The FCC plans to hold its eighth Indian Telecommunications Initiatives regional workshop and roundtable on ways to expand the deployment of new broadband technologies in Indian Country. At this three day workshop in Rapid City and Pine Ridge, South Dakota from July 27-29, 2009, the FCC will discuss the technology of telecommunications, the importance of broadband technology in rural and tribal areas, what some tribes are doing to obtain broadband, and what more can be done to expand broadband deployment on tribal lands. On the third day, the FCC will tour the Oglala Sioux Tribal Reservation. The FCC hopes this workshop will advance its efforts towards developing a national broadband plan and expanding broadband access in tribal communities. Registration information can be found on the FCC’s Tribal Initiatives website.
Senators Urge FCC To Examine Handset Exclusivity Senators Urge FCC To Examine Handset Exclusivity
Senators Urge FCC To Examine Handset Exclusivity
Senators Urge FCC To Examine Handset Exclusivity
In a letter to Acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps, Senators John Kerry, D-MA, chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet; Byron Dorgan, D-ND, Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, and Roger Wicker, R-MS, urged the FCC to review exclusive handset arrangements between wireless carriers and manufacturers and their impact on market competition. The Senators question whether such agreements limit consumers' ability to take advantage of handset technologies and discourage technological innovation. An upcoming hearing is scheduled to review this issue.
During a recent conference, Acting Chairman Copps stated that the FCC will soon begin a proceeding to review wireless handset exclusivity agreements and has already asked FCC staff to begin drafting the item. The Rural Cellular Association, which represents more than 80 rural wireless providers, recently filed a petition urging the FCC to examine the arrangements’ effect on consumers.
Wireless Industry Challenges Broadcast Push for FM Chipsets
CTIA and selected wireless industry companies sent a letter to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller, D-WV, Ranking Member Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, R-TX, and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Rick Boucher, D-VA, and Ranking Member Cliff Stearns, D-FL, opposing the broadcast industry’s request to require FM chipsets in mobile devices. The broadcast industry’s push for mandatory FM chipsets is in response to the Warning, Alert and Response Network Act (WARN Act) in which Congress directed the FCC to implement a Commercial Mobile Alert Service.
CTIA and its members support a comprehensive alert service that can be transmitted using multiple media outlets, including wireless devices, but argue that technical issues and high development costs complicate the ability of wireless manufactures to include FM chipsets in wireless devices. Contrary to CTIA’s claims, companies such as FM Alert, have developed FM chipsets that are now available in wireless devices, which overcome some of the technical issues raised by CTIA in its letter.
House Lawmakers Seek to Ban In-flight Calls; But Support for In-Flight Service is Growing
Some House lawmakers want to ban wireless phone calls aboard planes. House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar, D-MN, and other lawmakers, are concerned about interference -- not only with navigation signals but with passengers who do not want to hear in-flight phone conversations.
Groups on both sides of the airline cell ban are preparing as the Senate Commerce Committee is poised to take up FAA reauthorization in July. Legislation to ban cell usage on airplanes was first introduced in 2008 and parts of that legislation may be included in the FAA reauthorization.
The FCC separately bans cell phones on flights to avoid disrupting mobile networks on the ground, causing dropped calls and in 2007 concluded that technical data was inconclusive to justify lifting the restriction. CTIA, the wireless association, worries that concerns about noise disturbances are overblown and states network capacity constraints would limit the number of simultaneous calls, with airlines possibly curbing their length and offering dial-free rows or sections. Higher roaming fees would also limit usage. Supporters of a ban insist it ensures safety but in a May 5th letter to Senate Commerce Chairman Jay Rockefeller, D-WV, and ranking member Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-TX, CTIA, the Consumer Electronics Association and three other tech industry groups said those fears are unfounded.
The Inflight Passenger Communications Coalition, funded by firms that offer mobile services and equipment, noted that cellular calls are permitted on aircraft flying above three continents -- the others being Asia and Australia -- covering 16 airlines, nearly 40 nations and about 1 million passengers.
FCC Reinstates 168 EBS and BRS Licenses
In anticipation of the BRS BTA auction coming up on October 27, 2009, the FCC issued seven Orders and one letter granting waiver requests of late-filed renewal applications and late-filed extensions of time to construction. In these Orders and the letter, the FCC reinstated or affirmed active 168 EBS and BRS licenses. The renewal applications and wavier requests were opposed by Sprint Nextel and other EBS licensees. The FCC granted the waiver requests and renewal applications based on FCC error. The FCC found it would be inequitable and contrary to the public interest not to grant the waiver requests and renewal applications because the FCC did not provide adequate notice of new filing procedures and policies during the transition of authority from the Mass Media Bureau to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. The FCC also granted the extensions of time to construct, when applicable. The FCC found that granting the extension requests promotes the underlying purpose of the construction requirement: ensuring prompt delivery of service to rural areas, preventing spectrum warehousing of spectrum by licensees, and promoting investment in and rapid deployment of new technologies. Once reinstated, in some cases, the FCC permitted the licensee to “split the football” with active, co-channel EBS licensees. In most cases, however, the FCC did not permit the licensee to include any portion of its former protected service area that overlapped with another licensee whose license was active as of January 10, 2005 and on the date the expired licensee’s late-filed renewal application was granted.
In two related orders, the FCC dismissed 9 EBS licenses for failure to renew their licenses and failure to meet their required construction deadlines. The FCC found that the licensees had sufficient notice of its renewal and construction obligations, and therefore, dismissed the licensees’ applications. Please contact us for a complete list of reinstated and dismissed EBS and BRS licenses and their locations.
Net Neutrality Debate Hits Britain
With the increasing success of bandwidth heavy applications such as the iPlayer, British Telecom (BT), Britain’s largest ISP, is seeking cash payments from the BBC if the BBC wants continued high speed access for its iPlayer. BT announced speed reductions for video services in its Option 1 broadband package from 1 Mbps to 896 Kbps during peak hours, 5:00 pm to midnight. The iPlayer operates at varying speeds but the fastest speeds will no longer be available to BT Option 1 subscribers from 5:00 pm to midnight. BT wants commercial discussions with application providers to determine how the costs for broadband heavy applications, such as the iPlayer, may be shared between service and application providers. The issue of net neutrality was not contained in Britain’s “Digital Britain” report released last week. Suggestions are being offered that the net neutrality debate could be resolved with better network management practices and greater information sharing between application and service providers.
EU Supports Private Operation of Internet with Clear Governance Principles
In a statement to the European Parliament and Council of Ministers, the European Commission (EC) stated the Internet should be operated by the private sector but stronger governmental accountability may now be needed since the Internet has become such a critical resource. In light of the financial crisis, the EC noted that many Europeans now expect greater governmental involvement in the operation of key resources to ensure their continued reliability. The EU’s current Internet governance policy emphasizes the need for security and stability, respect for human rights and freedoms, the promotion of cultural and language diversity, openness, and interoperability. The EU supports the continued operation of the Internet by a private company, such as ICANN, but questions if that company should have greater accountability to all nations rather than just the United States. ICANN’s responsibilities include keeping the Internet secure, stable and interoperable, and managing the Internet’s unique identifiers.
House to Take Up USF Reform Soon
The chairman of the House Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee said that he expects to take up Universal Service Fund reform legislation he is co-authoring once the panel finishes considering reauthorization of the Satellite Home Viewership Act next week.
Rep. Rick Boucher, D-VA, recently told reporters that he expects to release a discussion draft of his legislation “in the very near future.” He noted that the measure will make changes on both the contribution side and the expenditure side by, for instance, mandating that any provider that makes a connection to the Internet pay into USF and by controlling payouts to eligible telecommunications carriers.
Boucher said the program needs to expand to include broadband service if the United States wants to leverage the infrastructure gains that will result from the $7 billion in broadband stimulus funds that will be spent to beef up the nation’s networks.
One key aspect of the Recovery Act funding discussion will involve defining what areas are currently unserved and underserved by broadband. Boucher noted that the current unserved definition used by RUS largely disqualifies any community that has any member of it receiving broadband service, a standard he finds too strict. And he said it is also important that areas with only one broadband service provider, or where service is too expensive or too slow, be eligible to receive stimulus dollars. He said he has addressed his concerns with NTIA and RUS.
Additional solutions, though, will be needed if the nation wants to raise its broadband penetration rate. Mr. Boucher issued his support for legislation that would require broadband infrastructure to be accommodated during highway construction. Bills in the House and Senate addressing that matter are currently being considered.
USF Contribution Factor up to 12.9%
The FCC’s Office of Managing Director raised the proposed, third quarter 2009 universal service fund (USF) contribution factor to 12.9%. The USF contribution factor for the two previous quarters was 11.3%. The 12.9% contribution is the highest in USF history. The contribution factor helps determine the amount of money a carrier must contribute to the fund and the amount of money the FCC must collect to support the program. Based on demand and expenses for each universal service program, for third quarter 2009, the FCC projected it must collect $558,400,000 to support the Schools and Libraries program and $2,028,950,000 for the High-Cost program.
Companies Seek More Services Eligible For E-Rate Funds
IBM, Verizon Communications, Inc. and Library Video Company this week urged the FCC to consider simplifying the Eligible Services List (ESL) that is updated annually to determine which services the schools and libraries, or E-Rate program, will fund.
The FCC should direct USAC to review the ESL in an effort to simplify the list, which has grown piecemeal over the years, IBM stated in comments filed with the FCC. “Several clear and concise descriptions on eligibility principle could dramatically reduce the size and complexity of the ESL.”
Verizon Communications, Inc. urged the FCC to adopt ESL changes to reflect more accurately the evolving communications needs of schools and libraries. “In today’s enhanced and changing communications market, the means by which consumers communicate continue to evolve, and the ESL should reflect these enhancements,” Verizon said. “Telecom and Internet providers are developing many new and exciting wireless and wireline products and services that if integrated into the educational institutions’ missions could substantially benefit the schools and libraries and should be eligible for the E-rate support.”
Verizon said the Commission should further expand the technologies covered under the program to include broadcast messaging, wireless Internet access applications, wireless modems, laptop cards, other remote access, and wireless routers.
Meanwhile, the Library Video Company (LVC) called the ESL confusing, noting that the “guess what we mean” funding process is inconsistent with due process and the Administrative Procedures Act. LVC urged the FCC to amend the ESL to make Video On-Demand servers eligible for funding. LVC called video streaming a “core and necessary component of distance learning, which is an eligible service.”
Other commenters sought clarification on whether some services, or their underlying components, listed in the Funding Year 2010 draft ESL proposed by USAC are actually eligible. SchoolSpeak, Inc. asked for clarification of “Intranet web hosting,” which is defined in the draft ESL as providing “private web pages to authorized users using a log in name and password.” SchoolSpeak noted that the definition is unclear and asked whether a vendor solution for creating privileged, password-protected content is eligible.
The FCC will review the comments and reply comments, due June 30th, before releasing a final ESL for FY2010 later this summer.
Rural Health Care Pilot Program Update
To date, 41 of the 68 requests for proposals (RFP) have been published on USAC’s web site by the Rural Health Care Pilot Program participants that are starting to build broadband networks to support rural healthcare. Of the RFPs, five have been recently posted to USAC’s web site. Participants must wait at least 28 days before entering a contract date with a vendor. For more information, please contact us.
Applicant |
Location |
Date Posted |
Allowable Contract Date |
Alabama Pediatric Health Access Network |
Alabama |
6/2/2009 |
6/30/2009 |
Illinois Rural HealthNet Consortium |
Illinois |
6/17/2009 |
7/15/2009 |
Michigan Public Health Institute |
Michigan |
5/29/2009 |
6/26/2009 |
Missouri Telehealth Network |
Missouri |
6/19/2009 |
7/17/2009 |
Oregon Health Network |
Oregon |
6/5/2009 |
7/3/2009 |
The following is a list of participants that have posted RFPs. Please contact us if you require additional information and note that some participants have posted multiple RFPs:
Applicant |
Location |
Date Posted |
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium |
Alaska |
8/12/2008 |
California Telehealth Network |
California |
12/12/2008 |
Colorado Health Care Connections |
Colorado |
9/15/2008 |
Rocky Mountain HealthNet |
Colorado, Montana |
12/18/2008 |
Iowa Health System |
Iowa, Illinois |
10/06/2008 |
Iowa Rural Health Telecommunications Program |
Iowa, Nebraska, |
7/31/2008 |
Louisiana Department of Hospitals |
Louisiana |
4/21/2009 |
New England Telehealth Consortium |
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont |
12/15/2008 |
Rural Western and Central Maine Broadband Initiative |
Maine |
4/15/2009 |
Michigan Public Health Institute |
Michigan, |
5/15/2009 |
Michigan Public Health Institute |
Michigan |
5/11/2009 |
Greater Minnesota Telehealth Broadband Initiative |
Minnesota, |
4/10/2009 |
Missouri Telehealth Network |
Missouri |
10/23/2008 |
Missouri Telehealth Network |
Missouri |
11/25/2008 |
Frontier Access to Rural Healthcare in Montana (FAhRM) |
Montana, Idaho, Wyoming |
5/18/2009 |
Health Information Exchange of Montana |
Montana |
8/15/2008 |
Health Information Exchange of Montana |
Montana |
2/3/2009 |
Health Information Exchange of Montana |
Montana |
2/26/2009 |
North Country Telemedicine Project |
New York |
2/6/2009 |
Northeast Ohio Regional Health Information Organization |
Ohio |
2/25/2009 |
Southern Ohio Healthcare Network |
Ohio |
3/31/2009 |
Oregon Health Network |
Oregon |
10/2/2008 |
Geisinger Health System |
Pennsylvania |
11/21/2008 |
Geisinger Health System |
Pennsylvania |
3/19/2009 |
Northeast HealthNet |
Pennsylvania, New York |
10/7/2008 |
Northwestern Pennsylvania Telemedicine Initiative |
Pennsylvania |
3/26/2009 |
Pennsylvania Mountains Healthcare Alliance |
Pennsylvania |
8/12/2008 |
Palmetto State Providers Network |
South Carolina |
8/1/2008 |
Heartland Unified Broadband Network |
S. Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, N. Dakota, Wyoming |
8/18/2008 |
Utah Telehealth Network (RFP 1) |
Utah, Idaho |
4/28/2009 |
Utah Telehealth Network (RFP 2) |
Utah, Idaho |
4/28/2009 |
West Virginia Telehealth Alliance |
West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia |
1/22/2009 |
St. Joseph's Hospital |
Wisconsin |
9/12/2008 |
Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative ITN |
Wisconsin |
4/11/2008 |
Wyoming Network for Telehealth (WyNETTE) |
Wyoming |
4/10/2009 |
In other Rural Health Care Pilot Program news, the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau has sought comment on a request to merge four participants in the universal service pilot program: (1) the North Carolina TeleHealth Network (NCTN); (2) Albemarle Health (Albemarle); (3) Western Carolina University (WCU); and (4) University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina (UHS). The participants request to merge their respective projects and designate NCTN as the successor to Albemarle, WCU, and UHS. The Cabarrus Health Alliance will serve as the project coordinator for the merged project. Interested parties may file comments by June 19, 2009, and reply comments by June 26, 2009. All pleadings are to reference WC Docket No. 02-60.
House Addresses Low Power FM, Inmate Phone Rates, Broadcast Volumes House Addresses Low Power FM, Inmate Phone Rates, Broadcast Volumes
House Addresses Low Power FM, Inmate Phone Rates, Broadcast Volumes
House Addresses Low Power FM, Inmate Phone Rates, Broadcast Volumes
On Thursday, June 11, 2009 the House Communications, Technology, and the Internet Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing on three bills: the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, H.R. 1084, the Family Telephone Connection Protection Act, H.R. 1133, and the Local Community Radio Act, H.R. 1147. The bills propose the following:
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The CALM Act introduced by Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-CA, would require the FCC to prescribe a standard to prevent commercials in video programming from being broadcast at louder volumes than the program material.
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The Family Telephone Connection Protection Act introduced by Rep. Bobby Rush, D-IL, would require the FCC to prescribe rules regulating inmate telephone service rates so that such rates are “just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory.”
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The Local Community Radio Act introduced by Rep. Mike Doyle, D-PA, would implement recommendations of a Feb. 19, 2004, FCC report to Congress on the Low Power FM (LPFM) Interference Testing Program. The report concluded that LPFM stations do not pose a significant risk of interference to existing full-service FM stations or FM translator and booster stations operating on third-adjacent channels. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-WA, introduced a companion bill of the same name, S. 592, in March.
United Kingdom Proposes Release of 275-3000 GHz Band for License-Exempt Use
The United Kingdom’s Office of Communications (Ofcom) is considering the release of most of the 275-3000 GHz band for license-exempt use. Ofcom’s goal for the spectrum is to increase innovation and the development of new applications with limited regulatory restrictions. The spectrum is currently used primarily for radio-astronomy, space research, and earth exploration satellite services and Ofcom notes other potential uses include short range anti-collision radar devices, detection of skin cancer, and other nondestructive evaluation methods used in industrial processes. Power limits and other technical restrictions for the spectrum are scheduled for review during the 2011 World Radiocommunications Conference. Ofcom plans to release the spectrum after it has reviewed the results of the Conference.
Nortel to Sell Nearly All Wireless Assets to Nokia
Bankrupt wireless telecommunication company Nortel announced plans to sell most of its wireless assets to Nokia Siemens Networks for $650 million. As part of the Nokia deal, at least 2,500 Nortel employees will be employed by Nokia. Nortel is also in discussions with other companies to sell its remaining assets and its stock will soon be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange.
INDUSTRY CALENDAR
Meetings and Events
June 20-26, 2009
- ICANN & GAC meetings, Sydney
June 23-25, 2009
- International Convergence Congress, Mexico City
July 2, 2009
- FCC Monthly Public Meeting
July 8-10, 2009
- International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) London, Advisory Committee Meeting
July 15, 2009
- WRC-11 Advisory Committee - Informal Working Group 2: Terrestrial Services
- WRC-11 Advisory Committee - Informal Working Group 3: Space Services
July 19-22, 2009
- NARUC Summer Committee Meetings, Seattle, WA
July 21, 2009
- WRC-11 Advisory Committee - Informal Working Group 1: Maritime, Aeronautical and Radar Services
July 27-29, 2009
- FCC Eighth Indian Telecommunications Initiative’s Regional Workshop and Roundtable Discussion
August 5-8, 2009
- Radio & Records: Triple A 2009 Summit, Boulder, CO
August 9-11, 2009
- 15th Annual Progress and Freedom Foundation “Aspen” Sundance, Utah, Summit: A New Deal for the Digital Age?
August 11, 2009
- FCC Monthly Public Meeting
August 28, 2009
- Mock Action for 122 FM Broadcast Construction Permits (No. 79)
September 2-3, 2009
- Interop Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
September 8-11, 2009
- Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) TBD, PCC.1 Meeting
September 15, 2009
- WCAI International Symposium at 4G World, Chicago, IL
September 15-17, 2009
- WiMAX World 2009, Chicago, IL
September 22-24, 2009
- North American Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum, Washington
September 23-25, 2009
- The NAB Radio Show, Philadelphia, PA
October 5-9, 2009
- ITU Telecom World 2009, Geneva
October 7-9, 2009
- International CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment, San Diego, CA
October 18-21, 2009
- 2009 Technology and Standards Fall Forum, Phoenix, AZ
- CEA Industry Forum, Phoenix, AZ
October 21-22, 2009
- ISPCS 2009, Las Cruces, New Mexico
October 21-23, 2009
- SUPERCOMM 2009, Chicago
October 24-25, 2009
- International Regulators’ Forum, Montreal
October 25-30, 2009
- Cable Connection, Denver, CO
October 26-27, 2009
- International Institute of Communications’ 40th Annual, Montreal
November 3-5, 2009
- WiMAX World Emerging Markets, Prague, Czech Republic
November 9-11, 2009
- InfoComm China 2009, Beijing
November 13-17, 2009
- Internet Governance Forum, Sharm el-sheikh, Egypt
November 15-18, 2009
- NARUC Annual Convention, Chicago, UL
December 2, 2009
- Radio Ink: Forecast, New York, NY
Broadband Stimulus Deadlines & Other Federal Funding
July 7, 2009
- Reply Comment Deadline: FCC Begins Work on 'National Broadband Plan' Mandated by Congress
July 9, 2009
- Comment Deadline: NIST Smart Grid Interoperability Standards
July 15, 2009
- Pursuant to OMB Guidelines, recipients of federal funding to begin reporting on use of their stimulus funds
Congressional Schedule
June 17, 2009
- Senate Commerce Committee Hearing: Consumer Wireless Experience
June 25, 2009
- House Science and Technology Subcommittee Hearing: cybersecurity activities at DHS and NIST
July 9, 2009
- House Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Biotechnology, Specialty Crops, and Foreign Agriculture Hearing: review Broadband Programs
FCC Rulemakings / Deadlines
June 25, 2009
- Application Deadline: Auction of 122 FM Broadcast Construction Permits (No. 79)
June 26, 2009
- Comment Deadline: Steps to Improve Collection of Data on Minority and Female Broadcast Ownership
June 29, 2009
- Reply Comment Deadline: Fourteenth Inquiry on Competition in the Mobile Wireless Marketplace
June 30, 2009
- Reply Comment Deadline: Third Annual Satellite Competition Report
- Reply Comment Deadline: Annual Review of Services Eligible for Support in the E-Rate Program
July 1, 2009
- Comment Deadline: FCC Inquiry on Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) Audience Measurement System
July 6, 2009
- Reply Comment Deadline: Denali Requests Forbearance from Unjust Enrichment Provisions of Spectrum Auction Rules
- Comment Deadline: TRS Reimbursement Rates and Contribution Factor for 2009-2010, Proposed Modifications to VRS Rates
- Comment Deadline: Impact of Competitive Provision of 911 Service in Virginia
- Comment Deadline: Petition for Rulemaking Payphone Dial Around Compensation
- Comment Deadline: Request for Increased Operating Power for FM Digital Audio Broadcasting
July 7, 2009
- Reply Comment Deadline: FCC Begins Work on 'National Broadband Plan' Mandated by Congress
July 8, 2009
- Comment Deadline: FCC Suspends US Carrier Termination Payments to Tonga's TCC, Seeks Comments on Suspending Payments to Digicel
July 13, 2009
- Comment Deadline: Procedures to Encourage Radio Service to Rural and Tribal Communities
- Reply Comment Deadline: Steps to Improve Collection of Data on Minority and Female Broadcast Ownership
July 15, 2009
- Deadline: Wireless Manufacturers: Hearing Aid Compliance Reports Due
July 17, 2009
- Reply Comment Deadline: Request for Increased Operating Power for FM Digital Audio Broadcasting
July 20, 2009
- Comment Deadline: Adjustments to 4.9 GHz Band Rules for Public Safety Broadband Use, Further Proposals
- Reply Comment Deadline: TRS Reimbursement Rates and Contribution Factor for 2009-2010, Proposed Modifications to VRS Rates
July 21, 2009
- Comment Deadline: Sought on Impact of Competitive Provision of 911 Service in Virginia
July 23, 2009
- Deadline: FCC Report to Congress Due on 911 and E911 Fees Collected by States under the NET 911 Act
- Reply Comment Deadline: FCC Suspends US Carrier Termination Payments to Tonga's TCC, Seeks Comments on Suspending Payments to Digicel
July 31, 2009
- Reply Comment Deadline: FCC Inquiry on Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) Audience Measurement System
- Payment Deadline: Upfront Payments Due for Auction of 122 FM Broadcast Construction Permits (No. 79)
August 11, 2009
- Comments Deadline: Proposed Medical Micro-power Network (MMN) Service in the 413-457 MHz Band
- Reply Comment Deadline: Procedures to Encourage Radio Service to Rural and Tribal Communities
August 19, 2009
- Reply Comment Deadline: Adjustments to 4.9 GHz Band Rules for Public Safety Broadband Use, Further Proposals
September 1, 2009
- Auction No. 79: 122 FM Broadcast Construction Permits
September 10, 2009
- Reply Comment Deadline: Proposed Medical Micro-power Network (MMN) Service in the 413-457 MHz Band
October 27, 2009
- Auction: 78 Broadband Radio Service (BRS) Licenses (Auction No. 86)
Public Safety
September 8, 2009
- Regional Public Safety Planning Committee Meeting for Region 19 in Windsor Locks, Connecticut regarding 700 MHz and 4.9 GHz
September 9, 2009
- Regional Public Safety Planning Committee Meeting for Region 7 in Centennial Colorado Island regarding 700 MHz