Federal Communications Commission
Universal Service Fund Contribution Factor for the First Quarter of 2022 Drops to 25.2 Percent (Federal Communications Commission)
Submitted by benton on Tue, 12/14/2021 - 16:01FCC Moves to Facilitate Satellite Broadband Competition
The Federal Communications Commission proposed revisions to its rules for spectrum sharing among non-geostationary satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service (NGSO FSS) systems. The proposed revisions would seek to facilitate the deployment of the new generation of low-Earth orbit satellite systems, promote competition, and make it easier for new competitors to enter the market.
FCC Looks to Promote Fair and Open Competitive Bidding in E-Rate Program
The Federal Communications Commission approved a proposal seeking comment on improving transparency and efficiency in the competitive bidding process for the E-Rate program. The proposal would require bids for E-Rate services and equipment to be uploaded into a centralized document portal managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company. This would replace a process by which service providers submit bids directly to applicants for E-Rate-supported equipment and services. The order also seeks comment on other ways to improve the competitive bidding process and
FCC Seeks to Improve Accessibility and Clarity of Emergency Alerts (Federal Communications Commission)
Submitted by Grace Tepper on Tue, 12/14/2021 - 12:44FCC Grants State E-rate Coordinators’ Alliance Petition for Emergency Connectivity Fund Invoice Waiver (Federal Communications Commission)
Submitted by benton on Tue, 12/14/2021 - 09:41FCC Seeks Nominations for Telecommunications Interagency Working Group
The Federal Communications Commission is seeking nominations for membership on the Telecommunications Interagency Working Group, a group that is being formed pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act “to develop recommendations to address the workforce needs of the telecommunications industry.” The Act directs the FCC Chairwoman, in partnership with the Secretary of Labor, to establish this interagency working group by January 14, 2022. The Working Group must prepare a report with “recommendations to address the workforce needs of the telecommunications industry, including the
Chairwoman Rosenworcel Announces Members, First Meeting of Precision Ag Task Force
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, in consultation with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, has appointed members to serve on the re-chartered Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States. In its second term, the Task Force will continue its work to provide advice and recommendations to the FCC on accelerating the deployment of broadband Internet access service on unserved agricultural land to promote precision agriculture.
FCC Issues Further Guidance for Affordable Connectivity Program
The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau waives certain provisions of rules governing the internet service offering, standard rate, provider participation, and election notice requirements for the end of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program as a result of the text in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Bureau also provides additional guidance to help consumers, participating service providers, program partners, and other stakeholders prepare for the transition from the EBB Program to the Affordable Connectivity Program.