FCC June Open Meeting Agenda includes Spectrum Frontiers Order

Last week, Chairman Pai released the tentative agenda for the Commission’s June Open Meeting, which currently has 12 items for consideration.  The Commission released a draft of the next item in the Spectrum Frontiers Proceeding, the Third Report and Order, Memorandum Opinion and Order, and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.  The Order would make changes to a number of bands above 24 GHz including the 24 GHz, 28 GHz, 37 GHz, and 39 GHz bands.  The Further Notice would seek comment on possible uses of the 42 GHz band and the 26 GHz band, among other things. 

Emergency Alerting Roundtable

On May 15, the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau held an Emergency Alerting Roundtable.  The roundtable consisted of two panels of representatives from government, private industry, and quasi-government organizations.  The purpose of the roundtable was to discuss the false missile alert in Hawaii, and what can be improved.  Speakers emphasized that positive changes have been made, but it is important to reestablish credibility in the Emergency Alert System.  

$250 Million for PTC Projects

Last week, the Federal Railroad Administration issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for Positive Train Control (PTC) projects.  The notice aims to solicit applications for grants “to fund the deployment of PTC system technology for intercity passenger rail transportation, freight rail transportation and/or commuter rail passenger transportation.  Eligible projects include:  back office systems; wayside, communications and onboard hardware equipment; software; equipment installation; spectrum; any component, testing and training for the implementation of PTC systems; and interoperability.”  Applications are due 45 days after publication of the Notice in the Federal Register.  

Agriculture Appropriations Bill Fails to Pass House

Last week, the H.R. 2, the Agriculture Appropriations Bill (also known as the “Farm Bill”) failed to pass the House of Representatives.  The bill failed when a group of lawmakers stated they would not support the bill without a commitment that votes on certain immigration-related measures would be scheduled immediately.  As we reported (Vol. XV; Issue 21), the bill allocates $620 million for broadband deployment in rural areas.