The FCC’s proposed $4.5 million robocall-related fine against Telnyx (see 2503050026) seems to be dead, CEO David Casem told us. "At this point, it's our understanding that there's going to be no pursuit" of the notice of apparent liability, he said in a recent interview. The FCC didn't comment. The NAL got strong pushback from parts of the voice-service provider industry (see 2503110023).
Australian telco Optus could face fines of more than 21 trillion Australian dollars ($13.7 trillion) for a September 2022 data breach that compromised the privacy of nearly 10 million people, the Australian Information Commissioner (AIC) said Friday.
The FCC added numerous questions to its draft notice of inquiry on how the agency examines competition in its Telecom Act Section 706 reports to Congress. The NOI was approved 3-0 ahead of Thursday’s FCC meeting. Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez said in a statement Wednesday that questions were added on broadband affordability at her urging, and she was, as a result, able to vote in favor of it (see 2508060061). The FCC posted the final version Friday.
Supporters of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (HR-979/S-315) are pressing for the House Commerce Committee and congressional leaders to prioritize the measure when lawmakers return from the August recess, given that they have repeatedly put it on the back burner in recent months. HR-979 and S-315, which the Senate Commerce Committee advanced in February (see 2502100072), would require the Department of Transportation to mandate that future automobiles include AM radio technology, mostly affecting electric vehicles. The bill’s supporters unsuccessfully tried to attach it to a December continuing resolution to extend federal appropriations (see Ref:2412180033]).
The decision Friday by public interest groups not to challenge the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ narrow decision overturning last year’s net neutrality order appeared to be based on a number of considerations, including avoiding a precedent that could prevent future FCC rules (see 2508080020). Friday was the deadline to file a petition for certiorari seeking U.S. Supreme Court review. Some lawyers saw the 6th Circuit’s decision as badly reasoned and susceptible to further review (see 2507160048).
States received BEAD applications from providers of a wide range of technologies during the "Benefit of the Bargain" application round, according to initial data that some states released (see 2506060052). NTIA required all eligible entities to conduct a new round of applications so previously excluded providers could submit proposals for the $42.5 billion program.
The FCC on Thursday approved 3-0 an NPRM examining potential changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), which have been a focus of the Trump administration. Commissioner Anna Gomez said she was able to get a few changes in the NPRM, which led to her yes vote.
The FCC "will stay in touch" with the post-merger Paramount and track its compliance with conditions the agency placed on Skydance Media's acquisition of Paramount Global, Chairman Brendan Carr said Thursday. Skydance Media closed on Paramount Global on Thursday, as expected (see 2507280007).
The FCC hacked away at licensing requirements for satellite and earth stations and slashed an array of broadcast rules in its August meeting Thursday. Four of the five items -- orders on submarine cable licensing and satellite and earth station licensing and NPRMs on improving emergency alerts and reviewing the commission's National Environmental Protection Act rules (see 2508070052) -- were approved unanimously. Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez partially dissented on an order repealing 98 broadcast rules and requirements.
Communications Daily is tracking the lawsuits below involving appeals of FCC actions.