The FCC can’t take the same approach on robotexts as it does on robocalls, said Wilkinson Barker’s Matt Gerst, representing CTIA, during an FCBA webinar Wednesday. Other industry speakers said the FCC’s attack on robocalls since 2017 appears to be paying dividends, though work remains.

Officials with the 5G for 12 GHz Coalition still hope for FCC rules allowing use of the lower 12 GHz band for fixed-wireless by the end of the year, in time for the spectrum to be used as part of projects approved under of the broadband equity, access and deployment program. But SpaceX and DirecTV, in particular, which opposed mobile use for 5G, are giving no ground. Replies were posted Monday in docket 20-443.

Industry and consumer advocacy groups continued to disagree on whether the FCC should extend certain robocall rules to all voice service providers in reply comments posted Monday in docket 17-97 (see 2305180036). Many debated the use of rich call data and the standard that should be set regarding the use of a do-not-originate (DNO) list.

Industry groups and telecom investors raised concerns about FCC overreach in comments on an NPRM asking about changes to rules for Section 214 international authorizations, approved by commissioners 4-0 in April (see 2304200039). The FCC sought comment on rules requiring carriers to renew these authorizations every 10 years and on other potential changes to the authorization process. But Team Telecom urged the FCC to strengthen its rules.

The Computer & Communications Industry Association and Incompas filed in support of Dish Network in its pursuit of extra time to buy 800 MHz spectrum from T-Mobile. T-Mobile and parent Deutsche Telekom opposed the extension (see 2308280055), which is before the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. “The Motion requests a reasonable, 10-month extension of time for DISH to exercise its right, granted by the Court, to purchase several 800 MHz Spectrum Licenses from T-Mobile,” said a brief filed Thursday. “CCIA and INCOMPAS urge the Court to grant the Motion as the best means to replace the competition lost via the T-Mobile-Sprint merger, preserve consumer choice, and encourage broad-reaching, cost-effective wireless service,” they said: “Competition in the wireless industry remains in a delicate state.” The FCC’s 2022 Communications Marketplace said “the U.S. communications marketplace is in a substantial state of change and re-examination,” citing T-Mobile’s buy of Sprint as one of “the recent major transactions that have had and will continue to have an effect on the competitive landscape,” the brief said. “As the leading advocate for competition, we believe this extension is critical to ensure consumers have more choices in the marketplace,” said Incompas President Angie Kronenberg: “We support DISH’s request and urge the court to grant the extension.”

The Computer & Communications Industry Association and Incompas filed in support of Dish Network in its pursuit of extra time to buy 800 MHz spectrum from T-Mobile. T-Mobile and parent Deutsche Telekom opposed the extension (see 2308280055), which is before the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. “The Motion requests a reasonable, 10-month extension of time for DISH to exercise its right, granted by the Court, to purchase several 800 MHz Spectrum Licenses from T-Mobile,” said a brief filed Thursday. “CCIA and INCOMPAS urge the Court to grant the Motion as the best means to replace the competition lost via the T-Mobile-Sprint merger, preserve consumer choice, and encourage broad-reaching, cost-effective wireless service,” they said: “Competition in the wireless industry remains in a delicate state.” The FCC’s 2022 Communications Marketplace said “the U.S. communications marketplace is in a substantial state of change and re-examination,” citing T-Mobile’s buy of Sprint as one of “the recent major transactions that have had and will continue to have an effect on the competitive landscape,” the brief said. “As the leading advocate for competition, we believe this extension is critical to ensure consumers have more choices in the marketplace,” said Incompas President Angie Kronenberg: “We support DISH’s request and urge the court to grant the extension.”

The FCC Office of International Affairs rejected a request by Incompas and Morgan Lewis, on behalf of its clients, asking the FCC for a 30-day extension of the deadlines to file comments and replies on an NPRM on Section 214 international authorizations (see 308070045) approved by commissioners 4-0 in April (see 2304200039). Initial comments are due Aug. 31, replies Oct. 2. “We find nothing sufficiently unique or unusual in this instance that would warrant granting the extensions of the comment and reply comment deadlines,” said an order in docket 23-119 in Wednesdays' Daily Digest. OIA agreed to exempt from a one-time information requirement some companies that recently provided information that hasn't changed, providing a break for those that filed applications within three years before the deadline of the one-time information collection. The exemption applies only to those with “no Reportable Foreign Interest Holders of the Authorization Holder other than those disclosed in the application (including any amendment)” and when “there are no changes to the Reportable Foreign Interest Holders disclosed in the application.”

A bill that would restrict California regulators’ discretion to make extra rules for NTIA’s broadband equity, access and deployment (BEAD) program dismayed local and consumer advocates. With a month left in session, California legislators are also weighing broadband bills to require wireless eligibility for federal funding and to streamline broadband permitting. Assembly Communications Committee Chair Tasha Boerner (D) said the goal of her BEAD bill (AB-662) is to bring “accountability” to the California Public Utilities Commission.

Industry groups disagreed on an FCC NPRM proposing to expand certain robocall rules to all voice service providers, in comments posted Thursday in docket 17-97. Commissioners adopted the item in May (see 2305180036). Some urged caution and asked the FCC to grant flexibility if it mandates any additional call blocking rules.

An FCC proposal to allow fixed-wireless use of the lower 12 GHz band remains hotly contested. Multiple satellite interests argued expanded terrestrial use of the upper 12 GHz band, if allowed, must include protection for adjacent-band satellite services. Comments were posed Wednesday and Thursday in docket 20-443. Leaders of the 5G for 12 GHz Coalition are seeking FCC action by year's end (see 2308090061). The FCC also sought comment on an NPRM on the upper 12 GHz band.