Policy

FCC Moves to Limit the Number of Spam and Scam Texts

The proposed rule out of the Federal Communications Commission notes such messages should be blocked “at the network level.”

Policy

FCC Adopts New 5-Year Rule for Orbital Debris, Despite Pushback

Earlier this week, lawmakers raised concerns about the FCC’s proposal.

Policy

FCC’s Proposed Change to Orbital Debris Rule Draws Lawmaker Worry

The leaders noted that coordination in this area is important, and the agency’s change could cause confusion.

Cybersecurity

FCC Adds China-linked Telecom Providers to List of National Security Threats

The departments of Defense and Justice want the agency to take a more comprehensive approach to preventing foreign adversaries from accessing Americans’ communications and data.

Digital Government

Lawmakers seek action on pressing spectrum issues

Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle said Congress should immediately reauthorize the Federal Communications Commissions' spectrum auction capabilities and take steps to make more federally operated spectrum available for commercial use.

Cybersecurity

Defense, Justice Call for FCC Rulemaking to Secure Internet Routing, Opposing NTIA

The departments cited comments from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and said a regulatory approach would have a greater impact “industry-wide” than dealing with entities case-by-case.

Digital Government

NASA, FCC Address Growing Issue of Orbital Debris

The agencies are respectively funding research to study this issue and proposing new rules to reduce debris in space.

Digital Government

SpaceX’s Starlink Petitions 'Grossly Unfair' Denial of $885M in Broadband Funding

The Federal Communications Commission rejected the bid, citing concerns that Starlink would not be able to meet the required speeds, which Starlink has since refuted.

Digital Government

FCC Probe Reveals Mobile Carriers’ Data Management Practices are ‘All Over the Map’

The last time the FCC investigated mobile carriers’ practices regarding location data, it resulted in fines Jessica Rosenworcel—now chair of the commission—said were unjustly meager.

Cybersecurity

FCC, FEMA Raise Alarm Bells About Vulnerabilities in Emergency Alert System

Both agencies warned that software and equipment vulnerabilities could allow hackers to transmit fake emergency messages or disrupt real ones. 

Modernization

5G Presents a Need for Spectrum Coordination Among Federal Agencies

A Senate hearing underscored the need for federal telecommunication agency teamwork surrounding 5G spectrum deployment.

Policy

Bill Aims To Reclassify Broadband As Essential To Promote Net Neutrality

Two Democratic senators unveiled a new bill to codify broadband as an essential service and prevent discriminatory practices.

Cybersecurity

CISA Urges FCC to Prioritize National Security in Internet Routing Probe

CISA Director Jen Easterly said industry concerns shouldn’t preclude use of the commission’s regulatory authority to mitigate exploitation of the Border Gateway Protocol. 

Policy

FCC Implements New Rules To Battle Influx Of Robocalls

Gateway carriers are now more responsible for screening calls that may be spam.

Cybersecurity

FCC Chair Claims Cybersecurity Role Congress Crafted for CISA

The commission is joining the fray in a budding turf fight at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency that also involves sector risk management agencies like the Department of Energy.

Cybersecurity

Russia’s Cyber Tactics Are Prompting the FCC to Address Internet Routing Security

Standards exist for network operators to implement, but there is no rule forcing them to do so.

Policy

Satellite Approvals Could Be Significantly Modernized Under 2 New Bills

The bills targeting satellite licensing at the FCC are being structured in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Policy

FCC Blocks US Access for Another Chinese Telecom Company

Concerns remain surrounding data centers controlled by entities like China Unicom Americas.

Cybersecurity

FCC Chair Proposes Updating Data Breach Reporting Requirements

The Commission is still waiting for an empty chair to be filled as observers call for a vote on Biden nominee Gigi Sohn.