FCC Adopts NG911 Rules

Last week, the FCC adopted the first nationwide Next Generation 911 (“NG911”) transition rules to define the responsibilities and set deadlines for originating service providers (“OSPs”) to implement NG911 capabilities and deliver 911 calls to NG911 systems. The FCC will require OSPs to transition to NG911 in two phases upon a valid request from a 911 authority. In phase one, OSPs must deliver 911 traffic in IP-based Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”) format and in phase two, OSPs must adhere to NG911 commonly accepted standards when delivering calls in SIP format. By adopting these rules, the Commission seeks to address a perceived delay in NG911 adoption by OSPs and expedite the transition to NG911. 

Robocall Mitigation Database Proposed Rulemaking

FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel is proposing multiple changes to the Robocall Mitigation Database (“RMD”), including implementing filing fees. A circulated notice of proposed rulemaking would seek comment on requiring providers to update the information they have submitted to the Commission Registration System (“CORES”) within ten business days of any changes, requiring multi-factor authentication to access the RMD, and requiring a Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) be provided before the RMD will accept a submission. Providers would also be required to remit a filing fee upon submission of a filing and the Commission proposes to establish a base forfeiture for submitting false or inaccurate information to the RMD or failing to keep information up to date.

AI-Generated Robocall Rules Proposed

The FCC is proposing to adopt first-of-their-kind Artificial Intelligence (“AI”)-Generated Robocall rules. The proposal would seek comment on the definition of AI-generated calls, requiring disclosure of the use of AI-generated calls, the use of supporting technologies to alert consumers of unwanted and illegal AI robocalls, and the protection of AI uses for people with disabilities. Callers would be required to disclose the use of AI-generated calls when obtaining prior express consent from a consumer and on each call that is made using AI-generated technologies. The proposed rulemaking is another in a series of actions the Commission has taken to combat illegal robocalling, including a Declaratory Ruling clarifying that voice cloning technology is illegal and proposing fines for such technology use.

Wi-Fi and Internet Access E-Rate Funding Approved

The FCC voted to allow schools and libraries to use E-Rate funding to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots and support high speed internet access for students, school staff, and library patrons. An applicant will be limited in the amount of support that they can request over a three-year period for Wi-Fi hotspots and services. The Commission seeks to protect the integrity of the E-Rate program by including measures to ensure the hotspots and services are in use, used for educational purposes, not funded through other sources, and are properly documented for auditing purposes.

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