Affordable Connectivity Program Ends

The FCC has officially ended the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) effective June 1, 2024, due to a lack of additional Congressional funding. The FCC has encouraged former ACP providers to continue to develop low-income programs and raise awareness of the Lifeline program, which could alleviate financial pressure for some former ACP recipients. The Lifeline program offers a $9.25 monthly benefit on broadband service for eligible households.

FCC June Open Meeting

Among other items, the FCC will consider a number of Notices of Proposed Rulemakings at its June Open Meeting. The Commission will consider a rule that requires broadband providers to report on their progress in addressing vulnerabilities in the Border Gateway Protocol. It will also consider establishing a Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, which will direct $200 million in Universal Service Fund (“USF”) support to address cybersecurity issues in schools and libraries. Additionally, the FCC will consider seeking comment on changes to the rules for letters of credit for high-cost support recipients.

Orbital Debris Mitigation Rules Update Proposal

A Third Report and Order is circulating at the FCC that would add a quantitative metric to the orbital debris mitigation rules that satellites must meet to limit risks posed by accidental explosions in space. If adopted, satellite applications must assess and limit the probability of debris-generating accidental explosions to be less than 1 in 1,000 for each satellite. The metric is consistent with the U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices and would be phased in one year after publication in the Federal Register.

988 Georouting FNPRM Pleading Cycle

The pleading cycle for the FCC’s Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking to require wireless carriers to implement one or more georouting solutions for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has been set. Comments and reply comments are due by June 28 and July 29, 2024, respectively. The rules would ensure that calls are routed based on the geographic location of the caller, rather than the area code and exchange associated with a wireless phone.

Thomas B. Magee, Tracy P. Marshall, Sean A. Stokes, and Wesley K. Wright.