FCC Orders Data Collection for Affordable Connectivity Program
In a Fourth Report and Order (Order) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice) released November 23, 2022, in Docket 21-450
Category: Blog
FTC to Enforce Expanded Definition of “Unfair Competition”
In a Statement issued on November 10, 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stated that it would once again restore the agency’s policy
FCC Proposes New Rules for Emergency Alert Systems
In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice) in Docket 22-339 released on October 27, 2022, the FCC proposed to “bolster the operational readiness and security of the nation’s public alert and warning systems, the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts. These systems warn the public about emergencies through alerts on their televisions, radios, and wireless phones.”
FCC Tries to Stop Robocalls Over Non-IP Networks
While they disagree on many issues, the evenly divided FCC agrees on the importance of stopping illegal robocalls. Therefore, it requires voice providers to implement the caller ID authentication technology called STIR/SHAKEN on their Internet Protocol (IP) networks. STIR/SHAKEN combats robocalls by allowing voice carriers to verify that the caller ID information transmitted with a call matches the caller’s number.
FCC Takes Aim at Scam Text Messaging
On September 27, 2022, the FCC decided to act against scam text messaging. Unwanted texts cause similar problems as unwanted voice calls since they violate consumer privacy and can jump-start consumer fraud and identity theft.
FCC to Set Rules for Calling Services for Inmates with Disabilities
In May 2021, in a Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in Docket 12-375, the FCC sought industry comments on requiring inmate calling services providers to provide access to all eligible relay services for incarcerated people with communication disabilities.
Sonic Seeks Return of Unbundled Network Elements
The FCC released a Report and Order that phased out cost based ILEC unbundling requirements everywhere except in the most rural areas of the country.
FCC Tells Congress – Help Us Save the Universal Service Fund!
On August 15, 2022, the FCC Released its Report on the Future of Universal Service (Report) as part of Docket 21-476. The Report is a requirement of the 2021 Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act (Act).
Federal Trade Commission Targets Customer Data Privacy
Normally we concentrate on the FCC and the actions it takes that affect our industry. Today, however, we turn to the increasingly aggressive Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which is now encroaching on ISPs more each day.
Under Section 251, When can a CLEC Offer Wholesale Services in a State?
Industry comments are due on August 16, 2022, in a unique Petition for Declaratory Ruling (Petition) by the CLEC Midcontinent Communications (Midcontinent) filed on July 12, 2022, in Docket 22-277.