FCC Issues of Interest

NATOA Recommends FCC Coordinate Efforts on Broadband Comparisons

In reply comments to the Federal Communications Commission, NATOA has urged that the Commission coordinate its efforts to compare international broadband offerings and conduct a domestic consumer survey.  These studies, required of the Commission by the Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2008, are part of the larger effort to compile a national broadband inventory map and develop a national broadband plan.  Specifically, the FCC must collect broadband data on 75 international cities from 25 different countries and compare that data against similar American cities.  The FCC must also conduct an annual consumer survey that asks about speed, price, the technology in use, and other key issues.
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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 Commission to ensure that the explicit role given to local governments was preserved in any advice offered by the Commission, and that the public interest elements of the Act should guide any consultative action taken by the FCC.

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NATOA Leads Over 130 Others in Filing Comments with NTIA & RUS on Broadband Grant Program

NATOA lead 130 communities and organizations in filing comprehensive comments in response to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Request for Information on how to implement the broadband grant program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  » Continue reading this entry

NATOA Invites All Communities to Sign On To NTIA/RUS Broadband Stimulus Comments

NATOA has issued a general invitation to all communities to sign on to the NTIA/RUS Broadband Stimulus comments being drafted by NATOA.  For more information,.. » Continue reading this entry

FCC Implements Analog Nightlight Act

The Federal Communications Commission has issued a Report and Order implementing the Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act.  The Order includes a more expansive list of broadcast stations pre-approved to provide nightlight service than was originally included in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and also creates a simpler registration process for pre-approved stations.  The Order also clarifies that no station is required to provide nightlight service for all 30 days, and that limited sponsorship information may be included to help defray the cost of providing nightlight service.  You can read the Order here, and see a list of stations pre-approved to provide nightlight information here.