Open government

FCC Announces April Open Meeting Agenda

The Federal Communications Commission has announced its April 2022 Open Meeting Agenda. The following are on the agenda for the FCC:
  • Innovative spectrum management:  The FCC will consider an inquiry on how receiver improvements could provide greater opportunities for efficient use of spectrum. It would also seek comment on legal authority and market-based mechanisms that could help create a more transparent and predictable radiofrequency environment for all spectrum users.

Broadband Buildout Accountability Act would Increase Transparency in Public Investment in Broadband Deployment

Sen Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Broadband Buildout Accountability Act with Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) to increase transparency for a $42 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Package (BIF) broadband buildout grant awarded to the National Technology Information Administration (NTIA), which is currently exempted from transparency requirements under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Provider Associations Urge NTIA to Take a Strong Role in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program

Service provider associations are urging the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to take a strong role in implementing the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The $42.5 billion program calls for each of the 50 states to make decisions about awarding rural broadband funding but directs NTIA to oversee the program.

American Action Forum Submits Comments to NTIA Regarding Broadband Programs in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

In the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Congress allocated around $65 billion to connect Americans to broadband internet and gave the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) a leadership role in guiding states on how to spend the funds. Now, it will be up to the NTIA and the states to ensure that congressional goals become a reality. This Request for Comment by the American Action Forum raises important questions about the appropriate path forward, and these comments aim to guide the NTIA to maximize the efficiency of each tax dollar spent.

Rural Wireless Association Submits Comments to the NTIA Regarding Broadband Infrastructure Programs

The Rural Wireless Association submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding the agency's implementation of several broadband infrastructure programs created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Recommendations include:

Common Cause Submits Comments To NTIA Making Recommendations on Broadband Infrastructure Programs

Common Cause submitted comments in response to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)’s Request for Comment on the implementation of broadband programs found within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Common Cause's recommendations include:

Robert W. Deutsch Foundation Issues Recommendations on NTIA’s Broadband Infrastructure Funding

The Robert W. Deutsch Foundation (RWDF) submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) highlighting the need to connect broadband infrastructure programs to systemic inequity. In doing so, the Foundation elevated the needs of BIPOC communities who face compounded social inequalities in an increasingly digitized world.

US Ignite Responds to NTIA Request for Public Comment on New Broadband Programs

US Ignite responded to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) request for comments on broadband programs created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Without in-depth technical assistance for State Broadband Offices (SBOs), combined with rapid local government support, this new Federal grant program will remain out of reach for too many underserved communities. To meet their goals, NTIA must collaborate with nonprofit coordinating bodies, like US Ignite, to support SBOs in their efforts to reach these underserved communities.

TPI Files Comments with NTIA on Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Implementation

The Technology Policy Institute recommends that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA):

Jockeying begins ahead of NTIA broadband gold rush

With the closure of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)’s public feedback period on how best to allocate an upcoming $48 billion in broadband infrastructure grants, here are some key comments Politico noticed:

Public Knowledge and TURN Submit Comments on the BEAD Program to NTIA

Public Knowledge and TURN submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. "To successfully implement the [BEAD Program], NTIA must prioritize building future-proof, open access, and municipal networks, and ensure those networks are built with high-quality jobs and adherence to net neutrality principles," said the comments.

AARP Submits Comments to NTIA Regarding Broadband Programs in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

AARP submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) urging the agency to encourage states to integrate digital literacy programs and data-driven planning into their funding strategies for programs created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. "AARP looks forward to partnering with NTIA during the upcoming years to support NTIA’s effective disbursement and oversight of the significant increase in public monies to advance broadband deployment and digital equity," stated AARP in its comments.

INCOMPAS to NTIA: Broadband Infrastructure Money Must Build Competition, Not Monopolies

INCOMPAS, the internet and competitive networks association, filed comments with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) urging the Department of Commerce to enshrine competition laws into the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act implementation to ensure all Americans have access to faster speeds and future proof networks at more affordable prices. The INCOMPAS filing details a road map to help NTIA deliver on the promise of connecting all Americans to better internet services while creating jobs, attracting investment and unleashing innovation.

Next Century Cities Responds to the NTIA’s Request for Comment on Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Programs

The Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) tasks the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) with developing rules for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Next Century Cities (NCC) submitted comments to the NTIA encouraging the agency to work closely with local governments and community-based organizations that support new collaborations and build public awareness.

OTI Issues Recommendations on NTIA’s Broadband Infrastructure Funding

On February 4, New America's Open Technology Institute (OTI) filed comments to guide the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in successfully disbursing funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). In the comments, OTI urged NTIA to ensure its administration of the program results in the equitable deployment of broadband and improved access to affordable, quality broadband service.

NTIA to Host Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Broadband Grant Program Webinars

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will host a pre-Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) technical assistance webinar series in March–May 2022.

FCC Modifies Ex Parte Rules in Affordable Connectivity Fund Proceeding

In November 2021, the Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau sought comment on a range of issues related to modifications and changes in transitioning the EBB Program to the Affordable Connectivity Program established by Congress in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. To create a record that would allow the FCC to promulgate rules by the statutory deadline of January 14, 2022, and consistent with congressional directive, the Bureau established a “permit-but-disclose” proceeding with comments due December 8, 2021, and reply comments due December 28, 2021.

FCC Announces January Open Meeting Agenda

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that the items below are tentatively on the agenda for the January 2022 Open Commission Meeting:

Chamber of Commerce’s fight with FTC heats up

The Federal Trade Commission has hit back against the US Chamber of Commerce, denying 35 of the 37 public records requests filed by the lobbying group about the FTC’s voting rules, policy statements and plans to fine businesses who break the law. The Chamber had come out swinging before Thanksgiving, accusing the agency of “going rogue” with its actions.

FCC Announces Agenda for November 18, 2021 Open Meeting

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that the items below are tentatively on the agenda for the November 2021 Open Commission Meeting:

Tech money floods the Senate

Google, Amazon and Microsoft have donated tens of thousands of dollars to key members of the Senate over the past three months. Some of the most significant conversations about the future of tech regulation are moving to the upper chamber, with Sen Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) negotiating with bipartisan lawmakers over tech antitrust legislation and senators considering how to respond to the Senate Commerce Committee’s explosive hearing with Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen in October 2021.