Public Safety
House Subcommittee Advances Bills Countering Chinese Threats to Communications
The bills focus on thwarting potential efforts by China to exploit security vulnerabilities in networks.
Congress
House Passes 5G SALE Act, Will Reinstate Limited FCC Authority
The measure empowers the FCC to allocate spectrum licenses auctioned before March 9, 2023.
broadband roundup
Cybersecurity Standards, More Funding for Rip and Replace, AT&T Stocks Hit Decade Low
The head of the FCC is proposing cybersecurity standards on devices.
Funding
Representatives Focus in on Fiber Prioritization and Spectrum Management at NTIA
House Committee members said they wanted to ensure that the NTIA is appropriately managing funds to support rural areas.
Congress
Telecom Leaders Ask Congress to Streamline Permitting Ahead of BEAD Project Deployment
Lawmakers considered more than 30 legislative drafts targeting potential regulatory obstacles.
Social Media
Congress Grills TikTok CEO Over Risks to Youth Safety and China
House lawmakers presented a united front against TikTok as calls for a national ban gain momentum.
broadband roundup
Lapse in FCC Spectrum Auction Authority, Biden Budget on Broadband, $66M for Affordability Outreach
Lawmakers were disappointed the Senate did not pass legislation providing the authority until May 19.
broadband roundup
FCC Auction Authority, Calls for Tax-Free Broadband Grants, TikTok Ban Details
A bill that would extend the auction authority of the FCC passed the House.
china
New Leadership and Priorities for Republican-Led Energy and Commerce Committee
The new chair renamed three subcommittees, hinting at the GOP’s goals for the coming term.
broadband roundup
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Proposes Section 230 Repeal, Spectrum Innovation Act, E-Rate Bidding
The conservative firebrand attributes says the banning of her personal Twitter is the result of social media’s left-wing bias.
Robocall
Lawmakers, FCC Take More Action Against Illegal Robocallers
There are new proposed rules that offer legal protections to those aiding in enforcement efforts against illegal robocalls.
5G Wireless
NTIA Head Says Agency Is Currently Testing Military Equipment’s Sensitivity to 5G
Davidson said that he hopes to avoid inter-agency conflicts such as last month’s dispute with airlines over 5G interference.
Net Neutrality
Rosenworcel Stands Firm on Net Neutrality in Face of Lawmakers Urging Status Quo
The FCC chairwoman responded to a letter by members of Congress resisting calls to back down on net neutrality.
Section 230
Pressed by Congress, Big Tech Defends Itself and Offers Few Solutions After Capitol Riot
March 26, 2021 – The heads of the largest social media companies largely defended their platforms, reiterated what they’ve done, and offered few solutions to the problems that ail them during a congressional hearing Thursday. But, under harsh questioning from the House Energy and Commerce Committee,
Infrastructure
Tilson CEO Says States Should Determine Where to Deploy Federal Broadband Funds
March 2, 2021 – Federal block grants are an effective way of deploying broadband quickly, and the federal government needs to hear local stories to understand that, said the CEO of network builder Tilson. Joshua Broder said at an Incompas event on February 9 that the historic debate about whether fe
broadband roundup
Anti-Muni Broadband Bill Introduced, Boost Act From Michigan, LTD Responds to Rural Broadband Critics
February 22, 2021—House Republicans have introduced a bill this past week that would outlaw municipally-owned broadband networks because, they argue, they would stifle competition and harm private telecom investment. Introduced on February 16, the bill called “Communities Overregulating Networks Nee
