New Space Bureau Proposed

Last week, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced a plan to undergo a reorganization within the Commission and establish a new Space Bureau.  Under the plan, the FCC’s International Bureau would be reorganized into the Space Bureau and a standalone Office of International Affairs.  The Commission has received applications for 64,000 new satellites over the past two years and seeks to focus more of its resources in the growing area.  Additionally, it anticipates that an independent Office of International Affairs will allow experts to focus specifically on matters of international communications regulation and licensing.

Unauthorized Equipment Consent Decree

The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau entered into a Consent Decree with Hill and Smith, Inc. (“H&S”) last week over violations of the Commission’s equipment marketing rules.  H&S manufactures, advertises, and sells fully assembled LED signs, and received a complaint from the Commission regarding the company’s compliance with the FCC’s equipment marketing rules.  Under the FCC’s rules, radiofrequency devices marketed within the United States must hold the relevant equipment authorizations.  H&S marketed its signs without the required authorization, labeling and disclosures, and failed to retain test records.  Accordingly, H&S must pay a $47,600 penalty and implement a compliance plan.

Emergency Alert Systems NPRM

The FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking at its October meeting proposing updated rules to bolster the operational readiness and security of the Emergency Alert System (“EAS”) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (“WEA”).  Specifically, the Commission’s proposal includes requiring EAS participants to report incidents of unauthorized access to their EAS equipment to the FCC within 72 hours and EAS participants and the providers that deliver WEA to annually certify they have a cybersecurity risk management plan and implements sufficient security measures.  The Commission also seeks comment on the current requirements’ effectiveness. 

Nearly $183 Million in ECF Funding

Last week, the FCC announced that it is committing nearly $183 million in new funding rounds through the Emergency Connectivity Program (the “Program”).  These commitments support applications from all three application windows and will support approximately 325 schools, 40 libraries, and one consortium.  To date, the Program has provided support to over 10,000 schools, 900 libraries, and 100 consortia.