FCC Bans Authorization of Covered Devices

Last week, the FCC adopted a Report and Order prohibiting communications equipment deemed to pose a national security threat from being authorized for importation or sale in the United States.  The rules prohibit the authorization of equipment on the Covered List (Vol. XIX, Issue 39) and make clear that such equipment cannot be imported or marketed under any exemptions.  The Commission also adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on additional revisions that could be made to the rules prohibiting authorization of covered equipment.

ACP Data Collection

The FCC adopted a Report and Order last week creating the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) Transparency Data Collection, a statutorily mandated annual data collection describing all internet service plans subscribed to by households enrolled in the ACP (Vol. XIX, Issue 46).  The Report and Order requires ACP providers annually to submit data on price, plan coverage, and plan characteristics, such as speed and latency, subscribed to by ACP-enrolled households.  These providers must also provide a unique identifier associated with a broadband label if applicable, as well as certain subscriber data.

FCC Removes Provider for Robocall Failures

Last week, the FCC issued an Order removing a voice service provider from access to other networks for failing to meet the FCC’s requirements for protecting consumers against robocalls and caller ID spoofing.  All voice service providers must file certifications in the Robocall Mitigation Database (the “Database”) regarding their efforts to fight illegal robocalls.  According to the Order, Global UC Inc failed to correct its deficient Database certification after requests from the Commission.  Upon its removal from the Database, all intermediate providers and terminating voice service providers must cease accepting Global UC’s traffic. 

NTIA Awards Internet for All Grants

Last week, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) announced the award of five grants under the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (“BEAD”) Program and the Digital Equity Act program.  The BEAD Program provides grants to fund planning, infrastructure deployments, and other adoption programs to expand high-speed Internet access.  The Digital Equity Act provides grants to equip people and communities with the required skills, technology, and capacity to promote digital equity and inclusion.  The five states that were awarded grants are Delaware ($5,511,209.05), Georgia ($6,429,207.61), Iowa ($5,708,924.00), North Carolina ($6,415,614.32), and Rhode Island ($5,506,100.07).