Hammer Down

The Federal Communications Commission recently banged the gavel and closed out our first spectrum auction in nearly 4 years. Bringing that one home was part of a broader effort we are undertaking to reinvigorate the agency’s work on a wide range of spectrum matters. This month, we’re continuing to push ahead with a packed agenda—from kicking off the process for another spectrum auction to supercharging wireless competition and making more good progress on national security, consumer protection, and rural broadband. First up, we will be voting to start the process for another new spectrum auction. Specifically, we will be voting on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to auction off 25 megahertz of prime, mid-band spectrum in the 1675-1695 MHz and 2020-2025 MHz bands. Second, the FCC has been working to put a regulatory framework in place that supports this emerging industry segment. That is why we are voting on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to modernize our supplemental coverage from space rules. Third, we are undertaking a big push this year to unleash American drone dominance, which is key to our economic and national security. To open the path for even more American drone companies, we will vote on an Order to open a huge swath of spectrum for commercial drone operations. Following President Trump’s leadership to restore reciprocity in American foreign policy and international commerce, we will vote on an Order to prohibit test labs and certification bodies in non-reciprocal countries. We will also be voting on an Order to strengthen the security of international telecommunications carriers who have or apply to have international Section 214 licenses. We'll also seek comment on proposals that would establish a vetting process for applications for, and other recipients of, certain new funding awards of high-cost support. Finally, the Commission seeks comment on modernizing its accessibility rules in light of advancements in the communications marketplace.