The_Mix_logo3.pngThe Regulatory Mix, TMI’s daily blog of regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of a TMI Briefing.

 

TELECOM

FCC

          ISP Privacy

The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) denied requests for an extension of time to file comments and reply comments in response to the FCC’s Broadband Privacy Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.  See our 4/1/16 blog FCC Votes on Lifeline and ISP Privacy.  Thus, the original comment and reply comment dates of May 27, 2016 and June 27, 2016, remain in place.  The FCC agreed with those opposing an extension of time that the issues addressed by the rulemaking are not anticipated and that timely resolution of the proceeding will be beneficial for both consumers and industry alike, providing clarity and certainty going forward.  Thus, an extension of the comment deadline is not in the public interest. TMI Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 4/12/16.

           Wireless Network Resiliency

The FCC is seeking comment on an ex parte presentation made by wireless providers AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Verizon, together with CTIA in which they announce a “Wireless Resiliency Cooperative Framework” that they describe as a “voluntary initiative that will enhance coordination and communication to advance wireless service continuity and information sharing during and after emergencies and disasters.”  The carriers detail a five prong approach to enhance industry coordination to “facilitate greater network resiliency and faster restoration of service” which they assert will alleviate the need for legislative or regulatory action.  The five prongs include:

  • providing for reasonable roaming under disaster arrangements when technically feasible;
  • fostering mutual aid during emergencies;
  • enhancing municipal preparedness and restoration;
  • increasing consumer readiness and preparation; and
  • improving public awareness and stakeholder communications on service and restoration status. 

Comments are due 15 days after the Public Notice is published in the Federal Register.

           Wireless Workshops

The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announced the agenda for two upcoming workshops.  See the Regulatory Mix dated 3/29/16Both workshops will be webcast at www.fcc.gov/live.

The first workshop, on the deployment of distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cells, will be held on May 3, 2016.  It will provide an overview of DAS and small cell technologies that augment mobile broadband and wireless services in cities and communities.  Panelists will also discuss successful deployments of DAS and small cell technologies in both outdoor and indoor public spaces, including hospitals, campuses, buildings, business and historical districts, and transit systems.

The second workshop, on May 4, 2016, is the FCC’s annual educational workshop on the environmental compliance and historic preservation review process required for the construction of wireless communications facilities.  It will include information relevant to the construction of all new communications towers and to the collocation of communications equipment on towers and other structures.

 

National Governors Association

The NGA announced that five states, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, and Oregon, will participate in a policy academy on developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies.

“Threats to our cybersecurity remain one of the most significant homeland security challenges facing the nation,” said Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D.), NGA vice chair and co-chair of the Resource Center for State Cybersecurity, in a statement.  “That is why, within weeks of coming into office, I created a cybersecurity commission in Virginia to develop policies and better prosecute cybercrime.  This opportunity will allow states to learn effective cybersecurity practices to better safeguard citizens.”

Participating states will receive guidance and technical assistance from NGA staff and faculty experts, as well as consultants from the private sector, federal agencies, research organizations, and academia.  To learn more about NGA’s Homeland Security and Public Safety Division, click here.

 

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