FCC Approves 6 GHz AFC System Modifications

The FCC approved a request from Broadcom Inc., Wi-Fi Alliance Services Corporation, and Wireless Broadband Alliance, Inc. (the “Entities”) to modify their open AFC code, which determines available power spectral density for 6 GHz standard power devices. The Office of Engineering and Technology (“OET”) requires AFC system operators to file a notice informing OET and the public of any changes made to AFC systems that can change the available frequency ranges and maximum power levels determined by the system. The Entities sought to correct computational discrepancies affecting four of the test vectors used in lab testing of the AFC systems. 

911 Service Cessation Notification

The FCC announced that, beginning July 4, 2024, Covered 911 Service Providers (“C911SPs”) must notify the Commission no later than 60 days after they completely cease operations. C911SPs must annually file a 911 network reliability certification with the Commission. If a C911SP does not file the certification, the FCC will attempt to contact the C911SP. To limit wasted Commission resources, the FCC now requires notification of cessation so that it does not attempt to contact a C911SP for failure to submit its certification when it is no longer providing services. 

$200 Million for Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Program

Last week, the FCC adopted a three-year, $200 million Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. The program will make $200 million in Universal Service Fund support available to participating schools and libraries to support the purchase of cybersecurity services and equipment. The Commission seeks to gather data on the services and equipment most capable of addressing the growing cybersecurity threats and ransomware attacks targeting schools and libraries. 

Letter of Credit Proposed Modifications

The FCC is seeking comment on modifying its Letter of Credit (“LOC”) rules for Universal Service Fund High Cost Support authorized through a competitive process. In the last two years, nearly half of banks that were eligible to issue letters of credit that satisfy the Commission’s rules have become unqualified. The Commission also seeks comment on modifying the required value of an LOC for recipients of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (“RDOF”) support. The FCC proposes allowing RDOF support recipients to lower the value of its LOC if it has deployed service to 10 percent of its locations by the end of its second year of support. 

Thomas B. Magee, Tracy P. Marshall, Sean A. Stokes, and Wesley K. Wright contributed to this article