Proceed With Caution on Service Prioritization FCC Updates: TechFreedom

Update public safety service prioritization rules to adapt to changing technology and usage, while proceeding with caution on an NPRM up for a vote at Thursday's FCC meeting, TechFreedom General Counsel Jim Dunstan said in an interview last week. "We need a national dialogue for the points of the network not designed to carry emergency communications," he said. Dunstan wants the FCC to beware of unintended consequences, such as cost considerations for smaller carriers, and whether noncarrier networks such as fiber backhauls will be swept up in new regulations. “This week’s vote is an important step toward ensuring that our national security and emergency preparedness communications are keeping pace with an evolving communications landscape,” an NTIA spokesperson emailed Wednesday. NTIA petitioned for changes to the wireless service priority and telecom service priority rules (see 1907170042). Industry has been quiet since the meeting item was released last month (see 2006250062). CTIA, NCTA and the Fiber Broadband Association declined comment. USTelecom, Incompas, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile didn't comment. "We would anticipate discussing this with members once the NPRM is released for comment to determine what positions we will take, if any, on the proposals," NTCA emailed us Wednesday.