Stakeholders seek an FCC NPRM on the future of the 12 GHz band, in a filing posted Monday in RM-11768. Signing were the Competitive Carriers Association, Computer & Communications Industry Association, Incompas, Public Knowledge and Open Technology Institute at New America. Industry officials said a December NPRM is possible. At most, launch a notice of inquiry, OneWeb asked in calls with aides to Carr and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. The FCC didn't comment. Some have “expressed concerns about whether sharing in the 12 GHz Band is possible” (see 2010260023), the groups said. “These are precisely some of the questions that need to be reviewed in the context of an NPRM -- one that can be crafted in a neutral manner to ask all the pertinent questions concerning the operation of terrestrial 5G service in the 12 GHz Band.” The 12.2-12.7 GHz portion of the band is “5G ready,” the letter said. This coalition “has a long record of supporting competition and innovation,” emailed Angie Kronenberg, Incompas general counsel: “The FCC should take a neutral approach to the NPRM as it considers the availability of 500 megahertz of spectrum in the 12 GHz band. From INCOMPAS’ perspective, this is absolutely needed so that the FCC can fully consider the issues and enable more spectrum that can be used to promote more competition for 5G service.” PK spoke last week with aides to Commissioners Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks. “The request for rulemaking is not intended to undermine protections for incumbent satellite uses, including satellite broadband use, but is instead meant to build a record on whether it is feasible to adopt a sharing framework that could expand the availability of spectrum for both fixed and mobile broadband deployments, to expand more flexible and intensive terrestrial use of the band,” the group said. “Given the persistent need for more spectrum, the commission should look at all opportunities to maximize spectrum use,” said CCA President Steve Berry. "The 12 GHz band, which lacks existing government interests, could present a potential opportunity, and CCA encourages the FCC to take a fresh look to see if this spectrum band can support wireless services. ... Opening a proceeding creates an opportunity for all to put evidence on the record so that the FCC can make an informed decision.”
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said Tuesday the agency thinks it's on a strong legal foundation for whatever challenge may come after its 3-2 approval of a net neutrality remand order, despite an expected legal challenge or reconsideration petition (see 2010150026). The two Democratic commissioners dissented. There also were full or partial dissents to decisions ending some ILEC unbundling and resale requirements with varying transition periods for different network elements, a robocalls enforcement order wireless infrastructure rules and the 5G Fund creation (see 2010270034). But there was no clash on other orders. No approved order texts were released Tuesday.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said Tuesday the agency thinks it's on a strong legal foundation for whatever challenge may come after its 3-2 approval of a net neutrality remand order, despite an expected legal challenge or reconsideration petition (see 2010150026). The two Democratic commissioners dissented. There also were full or partial dissents to decisions ending some ILEC unbundling and resale requirements with varying transition periods for different network elements, a robocalls enforcement order wireless infrastructure rules and the 5G Fund creation (see 2010270034). But there was no clash on other orders. No approved order texts were released Tuesday.
Current U.S. broadband networks are "nowhere near ready for self-driving vehicles, drone delivery and telemedicine," Incompas CEO Chip Pickering blogged Friday, supporting the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act (HR-7302). Along with endorsing the $100 billion in spending, Incompas made policy suggestions. It suggested Congress amend Section 224 of the Communications Act to make clear that broadband-only providers have equal rights as cable operators and carriers, including equal rights to utility poles, and there be streamlined state and local approval processes. Future federal money should target building broadband networks where infrastructure is lacking and should be coordinated across federal agencies, it said. The group urged improved FCC broadband mapping.
Current U.S. broadband networks are "nowhere near ready for self-driving vehicles, drone delivery and telemedicine," Incompas CEO Chip Pickering blogged Friday, supporting the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act (HR-7302). Along with endorsing the $100 billion in spending, Incompas made policy suggestions. It suggested Congress amend Section 224 of the Communications Act to make clear that broadband-only providers have equal rights as cable operators and carriers, including equal rights to utility poles, and there be streamlined state and local approval processes. Future federal money should target building broadband networks where infrastructure is lacking and should be coordinated across federal agencies, it said. The group urged improved FCC broadband mapping.
The FCC's Oct. 27 meeting agenda is expected to include an order on unbundled network elements (UNE) based on the USTelecom/Incompas compromises reached on dark fiber transport and loop issues (see 2009150063), industry officials told us. Chairman Ajit Pai applauded the agreements at last week's Incompas show, saying he hoped for FCC support for them (see 2009150069).
The FCC got differing advice from commenters in its annual Communications Act Section 706 proceeding. Wireless and wireline groups had a different version of the role wireless can play. Public interest groups said the FCC should say the market needs improvement, in comments posted Friday (see 2009180049) and Monday in docket 20-269. The agency's decision depends on who's in control next year, industry officials said. In April, FCC Democrats disagreed that broadband is being deployed in a reasonable and timely manner (see 2004240042).
The FCC got differing advice from commenters in its annual Communications Act Section 706 proceeding. Wireless and wireline groups had a different version of the role wireless can play. Public interest groups said the FCC should say the market needs improvement, in comments posted Friday (see 2009180049) and Monday in docket 20-269. The agency's decision depends on who's in control next year, industry officials said. In April, FCC Democrats disagreed that broadband is being deployed in a reasonable and timely manner (see 2004240042).
Commissioner Mike O’Rielly's impending exit from the FCC hasn’t made industry lobby him less, according to interviews with attorneys from a wide swath of industries and our examination of filings. O’Rielly used his written House Commerce testimony Wednesday (see 2009160043) to indicate he expects to exit the commission, after President Donald Trump nominated a replacement (see 2009160064).
House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle, D-Pa., emphasized what he views as a stark difference in telecom policymaking that will occur depending on whether President Donald Trump or Democratic nominee Joe Biden wins the November election. A Biden White House and Democratic-controlled Congress “will work to connect all Americans” and plans to “make a historic investment in our broadband infrastructure,” Doyle, a Biden supporter (see 1912130043), said Tuesday at Incompas' event. Biden and the Democrats will also address broadband affordability, “will restore” now-rescinded 2015 FCC net neutrality rules and will “work to combat the flood” of online misinformation, he said. If Trump wins, “I don’t see us addressing any of these issues. I see our government continuing to work to appease the whims of a narcissistic individual. I see the digital divide continuing to grow,” Doyle said. He and House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., cited the continued need for Congress to include broadband funding in the next COVID-19 aid bill (see 2009150068). FCC Chairman Ajit Pai defended the commission’s approval of Ligado’s L-band plan and predicted the upcoming C-band auction will be “massive” (see 2009150069).