1. Monthly archive
  2. October 2020

October 2020

Commissioner Rosenworcel on FCC's Latest Move to Harm Net Neutrality

The Federal Communications Commission announced that it will address 2019’s court remand of key elements of the FCC’s rollback of net neutrality. In particular, the court decision took the agency to task for disregarding its duty to consider how the FCC’s decision threatened public safety, service for low-income households, and broadband infrastructure. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said, “This is crazy. The internet should be open and available for all...Now the courts have asked us for a do-over.

Commissioner Carr Announces Tower Site Order

Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr announced the next step in the FCC’s efforts to accelerate the buildout of wireless infrastructure. Commissioner Carr unveiled a draft order that
would provide for streamlined review of requests to add limited space at the bottom of existing towers for backup power, low-latency computing, and multiple providers to be housed at one site, among other uses. The FCC  will vote on the order at its next open meeting on Oct 27.

Halloween Treats

I can say for sure that the agenda for the Commission’s October meeting will be filled with treats for consumers and innovators. 

AT&T’s Digital Redlining Leaving Communities Behind for Profit

AT&T has made fiber-to-the-home available to fewer than a third of the households in its footprint. Across rural counties in AT&T’s footprint, only 5 percent of households have access to fiber. For 28 percent of the households in its network footprint, AT&T’s internet service does not meet the FCC’s 25/3 Mbps benchmark to be considered broadband. AT&T prioritizes network upgrades to wealthier areas, leaving lower income communities with outdated technologies -- households with fiber available have median income 34 percent higher than those with DSL only.

Next Generation Connectivity: Postal Service Roles in 5G and Broadband Deployment

The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted research to determine whether there are roles the Postal Service can play to support 5G and broadband deployment, particularly to unserved and underserved areas. The OIG concluded that there may be an opportunity to leverage the Postal Service’s network of over 31,000 facilities nationwide. 5G will require a wide distribution of antennas, fiber optic cable, and other communications infrastructure.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting Joins Public Media Partner PBS in Celebrating 50 Years of Service to the American People

PBS, the nonprofit member organization and public media program distributor, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. PBS, with 330 member stations serving all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and American Samoa, provides more than 1,200 hours a year of children's, primetime, educational, and cultural programming.

Senior Staff Changes for House Commerce Committee Republicans

House Commerce Committee Minority Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) announced that Staff Director Mike Bloomquist has departed the committee for the private sector. Deputy Staff Director and committee veteran Ryan Long will succeed Bloomquist as Staff Director for Committee Republicans, effective immediately. Bloomquist served as Staff Director for Commerce Republicans during the 115th and 116th Congresses.

Broadband Internet Is an Imperative, Not a Luxury

Imagine if we could put every area of America on an even playing field when it comes to high-speed internet. How much of an investment do we need? A Democratic proposal earlier this year committed $100 billion to an investment in digital infrastructure but was part of a COVID-related bill that did not make it into law.

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