Upcoming event

The will examine the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the agency’s role in managing federal spectrum and representing U.S. interests with the global internet multistakeholder community. Additionally, the hearing will look at how NTIA is working to deliver a modern National Broadband Map capable of providing better service availability data, along with other major policy issues before NTIA.

The agenda is expected to include the following items:

As most people have discovered by the avalanche of compliance emails flooding their in-boxes, the long-arm of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) has now gone into effect. But because the United States always wants to lead on the world stage, there is growing talk in Washington about the need for our own privacy legislation. While the debate over the exact contours for privacy legislation is in the very early stages, if we decide to move forward, many complex questions nonetheless remain unanswered. 

6:00 – 7:00: Drinks and Light Fare

The BBG will receive a report from the CEO and Director John F. Lansing on the networks’ new programming initiatives, and the agency’s technological innovation, as well as an agency-wide fellowship program sponsored by former BBG chairman Marc Nathanson.

Seating capacity is limited. The meeting will be streamed live here.

A conversation about the implications of the upcoming expiration of the Department of Justice's Comcast/NBCU consent decree for consumers and competition in the cable, programming, and online video markets

At its July meeting, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is likely to adopt an unprecedented proposal to open a large band of lightly-used satellite spectrum for mobile and fixed wireless broadband.  The mid-band spectrum from 3700 to 4200 MHz has become the most sought-after resource for both future “5G” mobile networks and for extending high-capacity “fixed wireless” broadband in rural and other low-density areas where trenching fiber would cost too much or take too long. 

Hostile governments looking to influence foreign elections. Terrorists and terrorist groups communicating with each other and sharing extremist content. Unwitting consumption of fake news. These are just some of the many threats to individuals’ safety, security and privacy across social-media and online platforms. As the world becomes more networked, how are companies who manage the platforms on which so much of this divisive content exists managing to remove and stem its flow, protect their users, and ensure their users’ rights to freedom of expression?

At this meeting, the DAC is expected to receive and consider reports from its subcommittees on Emergency Communications; Video Programming; Technology Transitions; and Relay & Equipment Distribution.

The DAC is also expected to receive presentations from Commission staff or others on matters of interest to the Committee.