Benton Institute for Broadband & Society - Federal Communications Commission

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel

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Wed, 09/27/2023

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Cybersecurity and Cyberwarfare

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Tue, 09/26/2023

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Legislation

Communications Act of 1934

https://www.fcc.gov/document/chairwoman-rosenworcel-proposes-restore-net-neutral…

FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Proposes to Restore Net Neutrality Rules to Re-Establish the FCC's Authority Over Broadband Providers Under Title II

benton — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 19:28:29 +0000

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed that the FCC take the first procedural steps toward reaffirming rules that would treat broadband internet service as an essential service for American life. As work, healthcare, education, commerce, and so much more have moved online, no American household or business should need to function without reliable internet service. This was especially true during the pandemic. Such rules would affirm—under Title II of the Communications Act—that broadband service is on par with water, power, and phone service; that is: essential. The proposed rules would return fixed and mobile broadband service to its status as an essential “telecommunications” service. The proposal will be made public and will allow for public input. The proposal seeks to largely return to the successful rules the FCC adopted in 2015. The Chairwoman shared with her colleagues a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. If adopted by a vote of the full FCC at its monthly meeting on October 19, 2023, the agency will begin a new rulemaking to take public comment and reply comments on the proposal. Any person or organization can file comments and see others’ comments at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs. After a review of that public record, the Chairwoman can decide whether and how to proceed, including adopting final rules which would also require a majority vote of the bipartisan FCC.

Benton Content:

Teaser:

"We have a window to update our policies to make sure that the internet is not only open, but fast and fair, safe and secure."

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Wed, 09/27/2023

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Tue, 09/26/2023

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Internet/Broadband

https://www.fcc.gov/document/commissioner-gomez-announces-staff

Network Neutrality

Commissioner Gomez Announces Staff

benton — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:25:26 +0000

The following individuals will serve in FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez's office in acting capacities:

Deena Shetler, Acting Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor for Media and International. Deena joins Commissioner Gomez’s staff from the office of Chairwoman Rosenworcel, where she served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration. She has held numerous leadership roles at the FCC including Deputy Chief of the Office of Economics and Analytics, Deputy Managing Director, Associate Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau, and as a Legal Advisor to Commissioner Gloria Tristani. Deena served on details to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) from 2010 to 2011 and to the Department of Justice Antitrust Division from 2016-2017. Deena joined the FCC in 1996 as an attorney in the Common Carrier Bureau. Prior to joining the FCC, she was an associate at Howrey and Simon in Washington DC and Los Angeles. Deena received her J.D., Order of the Coif, from University of California Los Angeles School of Law, and her B.A. from University of California San Diego.

Edyael Casaperalta, Acting Legal Advisor for Wireless, Public Safety and Consumer Protection. Edyael joins Commissioner Gomez’s staff from the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, where she served as Chief of Staff. Edyael has extensive experience working on broadband access issues as an attorney and a consumer advocate. Prior to joining the FCC, Edyael served in Federal Government as Senior Policy Advisor in the Rural Utilities Service in the Department of Agriculture, where she worked on policies to fund broadband infrastructure projects in rural areas and Tribal lands. Before becoming an attorney, Edyael worked alongside rural, poor, and underserved communities advocating for policies to ensure affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband access and communications services. Edyael received her J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School, her M.A. from Ohio University, and her B.A. from Occidental College. She is proud to be from Elsa, Texas.

Hayley Steffen, Acting Legal Advisor for Wireline and Space. Hayley joins Commissioner Gomez’s office from the Wireline Competition Bureau, where she served as Legal Advisor to the Bureau Chief. Previously, Hayley served as an attorney advisor in the Telecommunications Access Policy Division, focusing on universal service and emergency initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She came to the FCC through the agency’s Attorney Honors Program. Prior to joining the FCC, Hayley served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Patrick L. Woodward, Chief Judge of the Appellate Court of Maryland. Hayley received her law degree, cum laude, from William & Mary Law School, and undergraduate degree from Franklin & Marshall College.

Anna Holland, Acting Executive Assistant. Anna began her career at the FCC as Staff Assistant in the Office of Chairman Wheeler before moving to her most recent role as Staff Assistant to two successive Bureau Chiefs of the Wireline Competition Bureau. Anna has also provided interim administrative support in the offices of Commissioner Clyburn and then-Commissioner Rosenworcel. Prior to her start in the federal government, Anna worked in the private sector supporting executive level staff for more than 15 years.

Benton Content:

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FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez announced the appointment of several individuals who will serve in her office in acting capacities

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FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez

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Wed, 09/27/2023

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https://www.fcc.gov/document/commissioner-anna-gomez-being-sworn-commissioner-fc…

Policymakers

Commissioner Anna Gomez on Being Sworn in as Commissioner of the FCC

benton — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:16:15 +0000

I am humbled and honored that President Biden and the United States Senate have entrusted me with the privilege to serve the people of the United States as a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission. As the first Latina to serve in this position in over two decades, it is especially meaningful to be sworn in as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. I look forward to working with Congress, Chairwoman Rosenworcel, my fellow Commissioners, and the talented and dedicated FCC staff to ensure that every person in every community, of every geography and income, has access to modern telecommunications services. I am eager to hear from all and to bring my experience in domestic and international telecommunications to serve the American people.

Benton Content:

Teaser:

Commissioner Gomez brings over 30 years of public and private sector experience to her role

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FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez

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Wed, 09/27/2023

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https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-releases-new-national-broadband-maps

Policymakers

FCC Releases New National Broadband Maps

benton — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 15:10:06 +0000

The Federal Communications Commission released a pre-production draft of its new National Broadband Map. The map will display specific location-level information about broadband services available throughout the country – a significant step forward from the census block level data previously collected. This release of the draft map kicks off the public challenge processes that will play a critical role in improving the accuracy of the map. An accurate map is an important resource for targeting funding and other efforts to bring broadband to unserved and underserved communities. The public will be able to view the maps at broadbandmap.fcc.gov and search for their address to see information about the fixed and mobile services that internet providers report are available there. If the fixed internet services shown are not available at the user’s location, they may file a challenge with the FCC directly through the map interface to correct the information. Map users will also be able correct information about their location and add their location to the map if it is missing. The draft map will also allow users to view the mobile wireless coverage reported by cellular service providers.

The FCC also announced the launch of an updated version of the FCC Speed Test App that will enable users to quickly compare the performance and coverage of their mobile networks to that reported by their provider. The app allows users to submit their mobile speed test data in support of a challenge to a wireless service provider’s claimed coverage. New users can download the FCC Speed Test App in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Existing app users should update the app to gain these new features.

Benton Content:

Teaser:

A pre-production draft of the FCC's new National Broadband Map

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Mon, 11/21/2022

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Daily Digest 11/18/2022

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Fri, 11/18/2022

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Public Notice

Digital Divide

Federal Broadband Programs

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

https://www.fcc.gov/news-events/notes/2022/06/30/status-update-mapping-where-bro…

Status Update: Mapping Where Broadband Is—and Is Not—Available in the US

benton — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:41:06 +0000

For as long as people have been talking about the digital divide, there have been complaints that we lack detailed maps to tell us exactly where broadband is—and is not—available. I wanted to give people a brief of the latest key developments:

We opened our new system to collect information from over 2,500 broadband providers on precisely where they provide broadband services. Why it matters: This marks the beginning of our window to collect location-by-location data from providers that we will use to build the map.
We’ve built the framework for a common dataset of locations in the United States where fixed broadband service can be installed. Why it matters: This new location dataset, called the “Fabric,” will serve as the foundation upon which all fixed broadband availability data will be reported and overlaid in our new broadband availability maps.
We’ve established consistent parameters that require broadband providers to submit data on availability using individually geocoded locations. Why it matters: Geocoded data will allow us to create a highly precise picture of fixed broadband deployment, unlike previous data collections, which focused on census blocks, giving us inaccurate, incomplete maps.
The FCC has launched a new online help center, with dedicated staff providing technical assistance, online video tutorials and webinars explaining the data submission process, and resources for consumers, internet service providers, states, localities, and Tribes seeking assistance with submissions. Why it matters: Our broadband maps are only as good as the data we collect, and this support will help make sure the Commission gets the data we need, the way we need it.
Our maps are built to improve. We are making the maps accessible to challenges by states, Tribal and local entities, and consumers. Why it matters: Earlier broadband maps relied exclusively on data collected from broadband providers, leaving key stakeholders without an easy mechanism to challenge and improve maps that were missing data or mischaracterized broadband coverage. The best map is one that improves over time with everyone’s experiences baked in.

Benton Content:

Teaser:

A progress report of the FCC's broadband mapping efforts

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FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel

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Tue, 07/05/2022

Daily Digest:

Daily Digest 7/1/2022

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Fri, 07/01/2022

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Chairman Pai Statement on T-Mobile/Sprint Transaction

Robbie McBeath — Mon, 20 May 2019 16:56:38 +0000

Private sector development:

Sprint|T-Mobile

Two of the Federal Communications Commission’s top priorities are closing the digital divide in rural America and advancing United States leadership in 5G, the next generation of wireless connectivity. The commitments made today by T-Mobile and Sprint would substantially advance each of these critical objectives.

T-Mobile and Sprint have guaranteed that 90% of Americans would have access to mobile broadband service at speeds of at least 100 Mbps and 99% would have access to speeds of at least 50 Mbps. I’m also pleased that the companies have committed to a robust buildout of their mid-band spectrum holdings. Demonstrating that 5G will indeed benefit rural Americans, T-Mobile and Sprint have promised that their network would cover at least two-thirds of our nation’s rural population with highspeed, mid-band 5G, which could improve the economy and quality of life in many small towns across the country. It’s also important that the companies would suffer serious consequences if they fail to follow through on their commitments to the FCC. These consequences, which could include total payments to the US Treasury of billions of dollars, create a powerful incentive for the companies to meet their commitments on time.

In light of the significant commitments made by T-Mobile and Sprint as well as the facts in the record to date, I believe that this transaction is in the public interest and intend to recommend to my colleagues that the FCC approve it. This is a unique opportunity to speed up the deployment of 5G throughout the United States and bring much faster mobile broadband to rural Americans. We should seize this opportunity.

Benton Content:

https://www.fcc.gov/document/chairman-pai-statement-t-mobilesprint-transaction

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/20/business/dealbook/sprint-tmobile-merger.html

https://www.wsj.com/articles/fcc-chairman-recommends-approval-of-t-mobile-sprint…

Teaser:

Two of the FCC’s top priorities are closing the digital divide in rural America and advancing US leadership in 5G, the next generation of wireless connectivity. The commitments made today by T-Mobile and Sprint would substantially advance each of these critical objectives.

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Author:

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai

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Tue, 05/21/2019

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Daily Digest 5/20/2019

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Mon, 05/20/2019

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https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-issues-hdo-tribune-media-company-and-sinclair-b…

Ownership

FCC Issues Hearing Designation Order for Tribune Media Company and Sinclair Broadcast Group

Robbie McBeath — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 21:43:42 +0000

On June 28, 2017, Sinclair Broadcast Group and Tribune Media Company filed applications seeking to transfer control of Tribune subsidiaries to Sinclair. Sinclair and Tribune have amended their applications several times thereafter, in an attempt to bring the transaction into compliance with the Commission’s national television multiple ownership rule, as well as the public interest requirements of the Communications Act. Among these applications were three that, rather than transfer broadcast television licenses in Chicago, Dallas, and Houston directly to Sinclair, proposed to transfer these licenses to other entities. The record raises significant questions as to whether those proposed divestitures were in fact “sham” transactions....Although these three applications were withdrawn July 18, material questions remain because the real party-in-interest issue in this case includes a potential element of misrepresentation or lack of candor that may suggest granting other, related applications by the same party would not be in the public interest.

Given these issues and others described below, we are unable to find, based upon the record before us, that grant of the applications would be consistent with the public interest. Specifically, substantial and material questions of fact exist regarding whether: (1) Sinclair was the real party in interest to the sale of WGN-TV, KDAF (a Dallas station), and KIAH (a Houston station); (2) if so, whether Sinclair engaged in misrepresentation and/or lack of candor in its applications with the Commission; and (3) whether consummation of the overall transaction would be in the public interest, including whether it would comply with Section 73.3555 of the Commission’s rules, the broadcast ownership rules. Accordingly, in this Hearing Designation Order, we commence a hearing before the Administrative Law Judge to determine whether the above-captioned applications should be granted or denied. Given the seriousness of the issues presented, we direct the Media Bureau to hold in abeyance all other pending applications and amendments thereto related to the overall proposed Sinclair-Tribune transaction until the issues that are the subject of this Hearing Designation Order have been resolved with finality.

Benton Content:

http://thehill.com/policy/technology/397914-fcc-accuses-sinclair-of-trying-to-mi…

https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/19/17591852/fcc-sinclair-broadcast-group-tribune…

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/07/fcc-votes-against-sinclairtribune-me…

https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/sinclair-deal-appears-headed-for-hearing

https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/fcc-sinclair-hearing-order-talks-about-po…

Teaser:

We are unable to find, based upon the record before us, that grant of the applications would be consistent with the public interest.

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Fri, 07/20/2018

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Daily Digest 7/19/2018

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Thu, 07/19/2018

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https://www.fcc.gov/document/statement-chairman-ajit-pai-sinclairtribune-transac…

Ownership

Statement of Chairman Ajit Pai On Sinclair/Tribune Transaction

benton — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 15:42:38 +0000

Based on a thorough review of the record, I have serious concerns about the Sinclair/Tribune transaction. The evidence we’ve received suggests that certain station divestitures that have been proposed to the FCC would allow Sinclair to control those stations in practice, even if not in name, in violation of the law. When the FCC confronts disputed issues like these, the Communications Act does not allow it to approve a transaction. Instead, the law requires the FCC to designate the transaction for a hearing in order to get to the bottom of those disputed issues. For these reasons, I have shared with my colleagues a draft order that would designate issues involving certain proposed divestitures for a hearing in front of an administrative law judge.

Benton Content:

Teaser:

FCC Chairman Pai issued a statement announcing circulation of a draft hearing designation order regarding the Sinclair/Tribune transaction

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Author:

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai

Send date:

Tue, 07/17/2018

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Daily Digest 7/16/2018

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Mon, 07/16/2018

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https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/05/11/2018-10063/restoring-intern…

Agenda

Upcoming policy issue

Ownership

FCC Announces Net Neutrality Repeal Goes Into Effect June 11, 2018

benton — Thu, 10 May 2018 15:51:03 +0000

The Federal Communications Commission announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved, for a period of three years, the information collection associated with the Commission’s Restoring Internet Freedom Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order, and Order (Order)’s transparency rule. This document is consistent with the Order, which stated that the Commission would publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of the refinements to the transparency rule, the delayed amendatory instructions revising the Commission’s rules consistent with the Order, and the Order, which among other things restore the classification of broadband Internet access service as an information service, reinstate the private mobile service classification of mobile broadband Internet access service, and eliminate the conduct rules imposed by the Title II Order. The Restoring Internet Freedom will become effective June 11, 2018.

Benton Content:

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-05-11/pdf/2018-10063.pdf

Teaser:

FCC makes it official after OMB approves information collection requirements

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