Senate Commerce
Senate Committee Approves FCC Nominees, Despite Republican Opposition
Republican senators vote “no” for Starks and Gomez.
Senate Commerce
How Long Will it Take Congress to Revamp the Universal Service Fund?
Critics urged the FCC to expand the fund’s contribution sources, but the agency chose to punt the decision to Congress.
Energy and Commerce
Draft of Bipartisan ‘Years-in-the-Making’ Privacy Bill Released
The bill is bipartisan, and a joint effort between the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee.
Expert Opinion
Julio Fuentes: Access Delayed Was Access Denied to the Poorest Americans
Big Telecom companies caused months and months of delays in the rollout of the Emergency Broadband Benefit.
Senate Commerce
Rural Digital Opportunity Funds Should be Decreased Until FCC Gets Mapping Right, Says Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel
June 24, 2020 — The Federal Communications Commission should decrease the amount of money distributed through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, said Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel in a Senate hearing on Wednesday. The sometimes-confrontational meeting saw members of the Committee on Commerce, Sc
Expert Opinion
Debra Berlyn: Pandemic Reveals Need for Congress to Act on Closing Digital Divide
COVID-19 has highlighted the need for broadband services for consumers across the expanse of our country. The crisis has dictated a protracted stay at home period for most of the country that has required our work, school, and entertainment to move from the outside, to the confines of our homes, rel
Senate Commerce
Despite Setbacks to Global Trading Relationships, Digital Trade Presents a Bright Spot for U.S.
WASHINGTON, June 21, 2019 – During a period in which the global trading order for physical goods has been upended by protectionist moves from the Trump administration, one potential bright spot is the “unprecedented opportunity” to create a framework of rules around digital trade, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-
FCC
FCC Chairman-Nominee Noncommittal on Limits Regarding Spectrum Aggregation
WASHINGTON, June 19, 2013 – Under questioning from the Senate Commerce Committee during a confirmation hearing to be chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Tom Wheeler said spectrum auctions need to be designed to provide incentives for broadcasters to sell, and carriers to bid, on prime
Senate Commerce
Senate Committee Passes Public Safety Spectrum Bill
WASHINGTON, June 9, 2011 – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed a deficit reducing measure Wednesday to reallocate the D-Block spectrum to public safety and gain federal funding to realize a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network. The measure, know
Senate Commerce
Cantwell Introduces Pro-Net Neutrality Legislation
WASHINGTON, January 25, 2011 – Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced legislation Tuesday to strengthen Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net-neutrality rules. The Internet Freedom, Broadband Promotion, and Consumer Protection Act of 2011 is co-sponsored by Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), who, along
Senate Commerce
Rockefeller to Focus on Fraud, Cybersecurity
WASHINGTON, January 24, 2011 – The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV), released his legislative agenda for the upcoming year on Friday. The senator plans to prioritize three broad areas: economic security and growth, proactiv
Senate Commerce
Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee Reviewed Universal Service Reform
WASHINGTON, June 25, 2010 – Universal Service reform is one of the key components of the National Broadband Plan and a principal which many in the telecommunications industry believe needs to happen before the current system collapses. On Thursday, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transpo
Senate Commerce
Lawmaker Wants More Spectrum For Wireless Broadband
WASHINGTON, December 4, 2009 – The United States must act soon to meet the increasing demand for more spectrum, a key lawmaker said on Friday. “Our nation is on the verge of a wireless spectrum shortage,” said Sen. John Ensign, R-N.V. “As evidenced by the tremendous success of smart phones, demand
Broadband Mapping and Data
Senate Commerce Committee Passes Radio Spectrum Inventory Act
WASHINGTON, July 8, 2009 — The Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday approved S. 649, the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act, which would give the National Telecommunications and Information Agency and the Federal Communications Commission 180 days to present Congress with a complete inventory of the rad
Infrastructure
Wireless Can Solve 'Last Mile' Competition Problem, McDowell Tells Senators
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2009 – Robust competition and expanded wireless services will be fundamental pieces of the Federal Communications Commission’s national broadband plan, Commissioner Robert McDowell told members of the Senate Commerce Committee Tuesday. McDowell appeared before the committee as i
Senate Commerce
Senate Committee Likely to OK Strickling as NTIA Head, Chopra as CTO
WASHINGTON, May 19, 2009 – With little questioning or controversy, the Senate Commerce Committee appeared poised ready after a Tuesday hearing to submit to the full Senate for confirmation the nominations of two key technology officials in the Obama administration.
