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The following entries have been tagged “FCC”
Policy / Advocacy
GAO Report Examining Changes to Wireless Industry in Last Decade Released
On August 26, Rep. Edward J. Markey, Rep. Rick Boucher, and Rep. Henry A. Waxman released a GAO report examining changes in the wireless industry over the past decade. The report recommends that the FCC expand its data collection on such metrics as special access rates, prices, and capital expenditures in order to improve its monitoring and annual reporting on competition in the wireless market.Continue reading GAO Report Examining Changes to Wireless Industry in Last Decade Released.
NATOA Files Comments on the FCC’s Third Way Proposal for Reclassification
Yesterday, NATOA filed comments with the FCC on the legal framework for the Commission’s oversight of broadband Internet. After the recent Comcast decision by the D.C. Circuit called into question the ability of the Commission to enact its broadband agenda under Title I of the Telecommunications Act, the FCC started a proceeding that would potentially reclassify broadband connectivity service (but not the Internet itself) as a “telecommunications service” under Title II of the Act.Continue reading NATOA Files Comments on the FCC’s Third Way Proposal for Reclassification.
NATOA Calls on FCC to Act on Pending PEG Petitions
Earlier today, at an Appropriations oversight hearing, Subcommittee Chairman Jose Serrano (D-NY) called on FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski to take actions to protect Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) channels that are currently being harmed by industry actions.Continue reading NATOA Calls on FCC to Act on Pending PEG Petitions.
NATOA Files Comments on Proposed Modifications to the Ex Parte Rules
Yesterday NATOA filed comments with the FCC supporting proposed modifications to the ex parte rules. The ex parte rules require that persons who have make oral or written presentations to FCC staff must publically disclose the contents of that presentation. The proposed changes will make the disclosure process more transparent and fair.Continue reading NATOA Files Comments on Proposed Modifications to the Ex Parte Rules.
NATOA Files Comments on PEG in the FCC Future of Media Proceeding
Today, NATOA filed comments in the FCC’s Future of Media Proceeding. The Future of Media project was undertaken by the FCC “to help ensure that all Americans have access to vibrant, diverse sources of news and information that will enable them to enrich their families, communities and democracy.”Continue reading NATOA Files Comments on PEG in the FCC Future of Media Proceeding.
NATOA and the Benton Foundation File Comments in Support of FCC Net Neutrality Policy
Today, NATOA and the Benton Foundation filed comments with the FCC on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would codify the FCC’s four existing Broadband Principles and would add two more (transparency and non-discrimination). NATOA supports the FCC’s proposed actions and stated in the filing that “network neutrality guarantees are necessary because major private providers have demonstrated their ability and willingness to interfere with communications across endpoints on the network for reasons that are unrelated to legitimate network management needs.”Continue reading NATOA and the Benton Foundation File Comments in Support of FCC Net Neutrality Policy.
NATOA Files Petition for Reconsideration on FCC Tower Siting Ruling
Yesterday, NATOA, joined by the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, the United States Conference of Mayors, and the American Planning Association, filed a Petition for Reconsideration with the FCC as to a part of the FCC’s recent ruling developing a “shot clock” for tower siting application review.Continue reading NATOA Files Petition for Reconsideration on FCC Tower Siting Ruling.
NATOA Files Comments with FCC on the Relationship Between Broadband and Economic Opportunity
On Friday, NATOA, along with the Benton Foundation and the New America Foundation’s Open Technology Initiative, filed comments in response to National Broadband Plan Public Notice # 18. The comments cited numerous examples of local broadband initiatives spurring economic development, including NATOA’s Community Broadband Fiber Network of the Year in 2009 – Bristol, Virginia. Other local broadband initiatives discussed include ones in communities such as Lafayette, Louisiana, Cedar Falls, Iowa, Tacoma, Washington, Powell, Wyoming, Auburn, Indiana, The Dalles, Oregon, and Jackson Tennessee.Continue reading NATOA Files Comments with FCC on the Relationship Between Broadband and Economic Opportunity.
Public Interest Organizations Announce Support for the Role of Local Governments in National Broadband Plan
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FCC Releases Order on Shot Clock for Wireless Facilities Siting Applications
Today, the FCC released an order establishing a “shot clock” for zoning authorities to act on wireless facilities siting applications. The order is available here. The order was released after the FCC Commissioners, at today’s open meeting, unanimously approved the…
Continue reading FCC Releases Order on Shot Clock for Wireless Facilities Siting Applications .
NATOA Files Comments on Two Public Notices Related to the National Broadband Plan
Today NATOA filed comments in response to two requests by the FCC as part of its development of the National Broadband Plan. The comments focused on the development of a national Broadband Clearinghouse of best practices and a study by Harvard University’s Berkman Center on broadband transitions and policies around the world.Continue reading NATOA Files Comments on Two Public Notices Related to the National Broadband Plan.
US Broadband Coalition Releases Final Report Today on Accelerating Use and Adoption of Broadband
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Continue reading US Broadband Coalition Releases Final Report Today on Accelerating Use and Adoption of Broadband.
NATOA Urges FCC to Preserve Local Government Role, Protect Public Interest in Broadband Grant Program
NATOA has filed comments with the FCC regarding the role that the Commission should take in helping NTIA to implement the broadband grant program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. In its comments, NATOA urges the…Continue reading NATOA Urges FCC to Preserve Local Government Role, Protect Public Interest in Broadband Grant Program.
Deception & Distrust - House Report on FCC Released
Today the US House of Representative’s Committee on Energy and Commerce released the Majority Staff Report on its investigation of the FCC. With a title of “Deception and Distrust” the report makes for an interesting read on what’s taken place…Continue reading Deception & Distrust - House Report on FCC Released.
NATOA Presents Material to Refute CTIA Claims on Tower Siting
NATOA met with FCC representatives, including Commissioner Adelstein, staff from Commissioner Tate’s office and Wireless Bureau staff on Wednesday, October 29th. NATOA presented information to the Commission to reiterate our position that no action is warranted on the CTIA request. …Continue reading NATOA Presents Material to Refute CTIA Claims on Tower Siting.
NATOA, NACo, NLC File Comments on FCC’s Proposed Rules for Reauction of D Block in 700 MHz Spectrum
NATOA, joined by NACo and NLC today filed Comments in response to the FCC’s Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with respect to the Re-Auction of the D Block in the 700 MHz Spectrum. The Comments include the following recommendations:…Continue reading NATOA, NACo, NLC File Comments on FCC’s Proposed Rules for Reauction of D Block in 700 MHz Spectrum.
US Court of Appeals Denies Petition for Rehearing En Banc
On Wednesday, October 29, 2008, the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued an Order denying the request of NATOA and ACM for a rehearing en banc (by the full court). NATOA and ACM had sought to have…Continue reading US Court of Appeals Denies Petition for Rehearing En Banc.
NATOA Encourages FCC to Act on White Spaces, Consistent with Broadband Principles
NATOA filed an ex parte letter with the FCC stating that the work of the Commission in the area of Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands (ET Docket 04-186) is consistent with our desire to achieve greater broadband…Continue reading NATOA Encourages FCC to Act on White Spaces, Consistent with Broadband Principles.
FCC Releases Proposed Rules for Reauction of D Block in 700 MHz Spectrum
The FCC has released its proposed rules and tentative conclusions regarding the re-auction of the D Block within the 700 MHz spectrum, and is currently soliciting comment on the proposals. Key components include:• The creation of two technology-specific sets of…Continue reading FCC Releases Proposed Rules for Reauction of D Block in 700 MHz Spectrum.
NATOA Applauds Action of FCC Intergovernmental Advisory Committee
NATOA wishes to express its appreciation to the Federal Communications Commission’s Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (IAC) for joining the voices of numerous local governments and municipal associations in calling for CTIA’s tower siting petition to be denied. The IAC, like NATOA…Continue reading NATOA Applauds Action of FCC Intergovernmental Advisory Committee.
NATOA, NLC, NACo & USCM File Comments in Response to CTIA Petition for Declaratory Ruling on Tower Siting
September 29, 2008 - The national associations representing local government filed initial comments in response to CTIA’s petition for declaratory ruling seeking preemption of local government authority over tower siting. Those comments can be reviewed here. Local governments that have…Continue reading NATOA, NLC, NACo & USCM File Comments in Response to CTIA Petition for Declaratory Ruling on Tower Siting.
FCC Grants 2-Week Extension for Filing Comments to CTIA Tower Siting Petition
On August 25, 2008, NATOA, NLC, NACo and USCM requested an extension of time for local governments to file comments in response to CTIA’s Petition for Declaratory Ruling regarding wireless facilities siting in WT Docket No. 08-165. The original comment…Continue reading FCC Grants 2-Week Extension for Filing Comments to CTIA Tower Siting Petition.
NATOA, NLC, NACo & USCM Request Extension of Time for CTIA Tower Siting Petition Comment Periods
NATOA, joined by the National League of Cities (NLC), the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) have filed a motion for an extension of time to file comments and reply comments in response…Continue reading NATOA, NLC, NACo & USCM Request Extension of Time for CTIA Tower Siting Petition Comment Periods.
Action Alert - CTIA Tower Siting Petition at FCC
Action AlertWT Docket No. 08-165ACTION REQUIRED BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2008* on Thursday, August 14, the Federal Communications Commission issued a Public Notice regarding a Petition for Declaratory Ruling filed by The Wireless Association (“CTIA”). The petition requests that the…Continue reading Action Alert - CTIA Tower Siting Petition at FCC.
Local Governments and Media Organizations Challenge Court’s Ruling
Alexandria, VA – The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) joined by its partners, the Alliance for Community Media (ACM) and the Alliance for Communications Democracy (ACD) today filed a Petition for Rehearing En Banc before the…Continue reading Local Governments and Media Organizations Challenge Court’s Ruling .
Comments in Response to FCC’s FNPRM in Broadband Data Collection Docket 07-38
Today NATOA filed Comments in response to the FCC’s Further Notice on Broadband Data Collection in Docket 07-38. NATOA supports the development of a national broadband strategy and has, with its comments, released its own Broadband Principles in support of…Continue reading Comments in Response to FCC’s FNPRM in Broadband Data Collection Docket 07-38.
Objection to Qwest Request for Regulatory Relief
NATOA filed an ex parte letter requesting the Commission deny the requested regulatory relief by Qwest. NATOA filed comments in support of NATOA members and specifically the City of St. Paul, Minnesota, the Greater Metro (Denver) Telecommunications Consortium, and the…Continue reading Objection to Qwest Request for Regulatory Relief.
US Court of Appeals Upholds FCC Franchise Order
On Friday, June 27, 2008 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (Cincinnati, OH) issued its DECISION which ruled in favor of the Federal Communications Commission’s Franchising Order. The FCC Franchise Order, contested by NATOA, ACM, ACD, NLC…Continue reading US Court of Appeals Upholds FCC Franchise Order.
NATOA, NACo, NLC, USCM File Joint Comments in Public Safety 700 MHz Band
In joint comments filed today with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Association of Telecommunications Officers & Advisors (NATOA), the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National League of Cities (NLC) and the US Conference of Mayors (USCM) stated,…Continue reading NATOA, NACo, NLC, USCM File Joint Comments in Public Safety 700 MHz Band.
FCC to Hold Digital Television Consumer Education Workshop June 19, 2008
FCC to Hold Digital Television Consumer Education Workshop Focused on DTV Converter Boxes on June 19, 2008. The Workshop will be webcast. Those interested in attending must RSVP. Use this link to learn more….Continue reading FCC to Hold Digital Television Consumer Education Workshop June 19, 2008.