Enforcement Bureau Takes First Space Debris Enforcement Action

On October 2, the FCC took its first space debris enforcement action against DISH for failure to place an end-of-life satellite into the proper disposal orbit. DISH disposed of its Direct Broadcast Satellite (“DBS”) only 122 kilometers above its operational geostationary orbit when required to dispose of it 300 kilometers above, according to the orbital debris mitigation plan for its license. The FCC requires proper disposal of satellites to protect the nation’s satellite communications systems from damage. DISH settled the matter by admitting a failure to operate its satellite, agreeing to implement a compliance plan, and agreeing to pay a $150,000 civil penalty. 

FCC Announces $37.7 Million in ECF Funding

Last week, the FCC announced almost $38 million in a new funding round through the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program (the “Program”). The commitment will support applications from the third application window and will benefit approximately 100,000 students in states including Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington. To date, the Program has provided support to roughly 11,400 schools, 1,060 libraries, and 125 consortia.  

Over $74.4 Million in Tribal Grants

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) announced it awarded more than $74.4 million through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (the “Program”). The grants will support 28 tribal entities in Alaska, Arizona, California, Michigan, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin and will help connect unserved Tribal households and businesses. To date, the Program has awarded over $1.86 billion to 226 Tribal entities.  

$156.7 Million in CPF Grants 

The Department of the Treasury announced the award of $156.7 million in funding for Oregon for broadband infrastructure programs through the Capital Projects Fund (the “Fund”) last week, accounting for the entirety of the state’s allocation under the Fund. Oregon estimates the Fund will connect approximately 17,195 homes and businesses in the state, primarily focused on locations that currently lack service that reliably meets 10/1 Mbps. To date, the Fund has awarded over $8.4 billion of the $10 billion available through the Fund. 

Casey Lide, Thomas B. Magee, Tracy P. Marshall, Kathleen Slattery Thompson, Sean A. Stokes and Wesley K. Wright contributed to this article.