Trump Declares National Emergency on Foreign Communications Tech

Last week President Trump signed an Executive Order that declared a national emergency with respect to information and communications technology or services that are developed, manufactured, or supplied by foreign adversaries.  The Order permits the Secretary of Commerce to ban technologies or services that are deemed to be a national security threat.  The Order was signed less than a week after the FCC denied China Mobile USA’s application to provide telecommunications services between the United States and foreign destinations.  After China Mobile’s application had been pending with the Commission for nearly 7 years, NTIA filed a recommendation last year on behalf of the Executive Branch agencies to deny the application.  The Commission’s denial stated that due to several factors related to China Mobile’s ownership and control by the Chinese government, grant of the application would raise substantial and serious national security and law enforcement risks.

800 MHz EB/GB MOU Signed

The frequency Advisory Committees (FACs) eligible to coordinate license applications for 800 MHz Expansion Band and Guard Band (EB/GB) frequencies have signed a Memorandum of Agreement governing the frequency coordination process for EB/GB spectrum (Vol. XVI, Issue 18).  The coordinators have already begun the process of sharing application data among themselves for the applications received over the last several months.  EB/GB spectrum in 21 NPSPAC regions will be available for licensing on July 18. 

Satellite Earth Station Certification Deadline

The Commission’s Public Notice announcing certification deadline for C-Band fixed-satellite service (FSS) earth station licensees was published in the Federal Register today.  Operators of FSS earth stations in the 3.7-4.2 GHz band that are licensed or registered in the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS) must certify the accuracy of all information reflected on their license or registration by May 28, 2019.  The certification must include the relevant Call Signs, file numbers, applicant or registrant name, as well as a certification statement that the information on the license is complete and correct.  Certain Earth station operators that filed for new or modified licenses or registrations between April 19, 2019 and October 31, 2018 are exempt from the certification requirement.  

FCC Open Meeting Agenda Announced

Last week the Commission announced a tentative agenda for its next Open Meeting scheduled for June 6, 2019.  Among other items, the Commission will consider a Declaratory Ruling and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking clarifying that voice service providers may block illegal and unwanted robocalls and solicitation calls before they reach consumers’ phones.  In addition, the Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would clarify rules governing the eligibility of and frequency use by aeronautical advisory (UNICOM) stations and would authorize aeronautical operational control communications in the lower 136 MHz band to accommodate the FAA’s Next Generation Aviation System.