Federal Communications Commission

The Federal Communications Commission announced it will begin collecting first-hand accounts on broadband availability and service quality directly from consumers as part of its Broadband Data Collection program. A new webpage, www.fcc.gov/BroadbandData, explains the FCC’s program and provides direct links to consumer resources including a new “share your broadband experience” option.

In the 2016 Lifeline Order, the Federal Communications Commission directed the Wireline Competition Bureau to submit a State of the Lifeline Marketplace Report by June 30, 2021. The FCC directed the Bureau to review the Lifeline marketplace and make a recommendation to the FCC regarding whether the Lifeline program’s transition to chiefly supporting broadband services, as set out in the 2016 Lifeline Order, should be completed.

I am very pleased to learn that Senator Cantwell and Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel had a phone call in which they reached an understanding that maps will get done in just four months. This is an important development because completing these maps is key to unlocking the funding needed to further close the digital divide. It’s great to learn about the new July 2021 timeline.

I want to start by recognizing that the cybersecurity challenge is about to get even more challenging with the advent of 5G. I’m going to share three lessons we’ve all learned from scary movies that should apply equally to our nation’s cybersecurity.

The Federal Communications Commission took action to make valuable mid-band spectrum in the 3.45-3.55 GHz band available for auction to facilitate 5G deployment across the contiguous US. 2020’s Consolidated Appropriations Act required the FCC to commence a system of competitive bidding for licenses in the 3.45-3.55 GHz band by the end of 2021.

Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel circulated a Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration that, if adopted, would establish Round 2 of the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, a $249.95 million dollar federal initiative that builds on the $200 million program established as part of the CARES Act.

I’m excited to discuss Team Telecom and the Federal Communications Commission with you.

The Federal Communications Commission adopted a Notice of Inquiry to start a formal discussion on the opportunities and potential challenges presented by open and virtualized radio access networks, and how the FCC might leverage these concepts to support network security and 5G leadership. The FCC seeks comment on the current status of development and deployment, whether and how the FCC might foster the success of these technologies, and how to support competitiveness and new entrant access to this emerging market.