NTIA
How to Spend $21B? Permitting Reform, Middle Mile, 5G, Digital Literacy and Public Safety
Sprawling NTIA listening session brings in 1,300 viewers, nearly 50 commenters; webinar to be repeated next Wednesday
NTIA
FirstNet Reauthorization Bill Passes House Committee Unanimously
The bipartisan bill will now move to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Public Safety
House Lawmakers Appear Supportive of Draft FirstNet Reauthorization Bill
There was bipartisan support in both chambers for more NTIA oversight.
Expert Opinion
Todd Schlekeway: Extreme Weather Underscores Importance Tower Infrastructure
Tower technicians risk their lives maintaining critical communications infrastructure during severe weather and need policy support.
Public Safety
Senators Eye More Oversight with FirstNet Authority Reauthorization
House lawmakers also circulated draft legislation that would give NTIA more power over FirstNet authority.
Public Safety
Former FirstNet Authority Board Chairs Don’t Want Changes with Reauthorization
Disagreement on FirstNet’s future is brewing ahead of a Senate hearing next week.
Public Safety
Law Enforcement Groups Want More Competition for FirstNet Authority Dollars
Both groups are suing the FCC to prevent FirstNet, operated by AT&T, from accessing more spectrum.
Public Safety
House Lawmakers Push for Upgraded 911 Networks
Bills propose federal grants for next-gen 911, enhanced satellite alerts, and improved FCC reporting
NTIA
Judges Press FCC, Challengers in FirstNet Spectrum Case
The agency is looking to make more spectrum available to AT&T-operated FirstNet.
Spectrum
Opponents to D.C. Circuit: FCC Plan for More FirstNet Spectrum Unlawful
Oral arguments in the case haven't been scheduled.
Public Safety
FirstNet Authority Obstructed Audits, Punished Whistleblower, Says Inspector General
The office said the reports resulted in a change of leadership at FirstNet Authority.
Spectrum
FCC, DOJ in Court Defending Plan to Open More Public Safety Spectrum to FirstNet
Supporters and opponents of the idea have sued the FCC over the plan.
Public Safety
Law Enforcement Calls on NTIA to Protect FirstNet Authority
NTIA as a potential ally.
Spectrum
FCC Spectrum Allocation to AT&T’s FirstNet Illegal, Challengers Say
Groups in favor of the move are also suing; they want the agency to move faster.
Spectrum
Other Carriers Oppose AT&T-Backed Plan for Public Safety Airwaves
A public safety group proposed increasing power levels in the 4.9 GHz band, which AT&T is set to gain access to.
Satellite
AT&T Planning FirstNet Direct-to-Cell Tests This Year
The carrier and AST SpaceMobile got approval to run the test on the satellite privider's BlueBird units.
