The FCC rechartered its precision ag task force for a "third and final term" Monday, per a news release (see 2307110068). “Today’s farmers and ranchers rely on high-speed internet to make the best use of connected tools to efficiently run their businesses and meet the demand for food to sustain our communities,” said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, urging the task force to "look closely at the link between connectivity and agricultural sustainability." Nominations for task force membership are due by Sept. 20.
The FCC sought comment on the Competitive Carriers Association and USTelecom's petition to extend a waiver of its requirement that broadband data collection filings be verified by a licensed professional engineer, per a notice for Tuesday's Federal Register (see 2308070042). Comments are due by Sept. 1, replies Sept. 11, in docket 19-195.
The FCC Enforcement Bureau redesignated USTelecom's Industry Traceback Group (ITG) as the registered consortium for the industry-led robocall traceback group, said an order Friday in docket 20-22 (see 2306120050). The ITG "continues to fight to protect consumers against illegal robocalls, scammers and spoofers and we’re honored that the FCC has once again recognized our important role in this work," said USTelecom CEO Jonathan Spalter: "The volume of illegal robocalls is declining, but there’s still more work to be done."
The alternative connect America cost model (ACAM) broadband coalition urged the FCC Wireline Bureau Friday to "exercise its discretion to utilize the entirety of the $1.33 billion annual budget authorized" for the enhanced ACAM program. Doing so would "maximize support levels" and ensure that "sufficient support dollars are available for use in the post-implementation adjustment process," the group said in a letter posted Friday in docket 10-90 (see 2307240064). NTCA also asked the FCC to raise the minimum support level from 50% to 75% for ILEC-only served locations. The higher threshold for ongoing support for currently served locations should "provide a reasonable reserve to address the kinds of concerns identified by the commission," the group said.
A coalition of Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction winners asked the FCC this week to grant RDOF winners supplemental funding and relief from letter of credit requirements. "Due to the impacts of [COVID-19] along with new, multi-billion dollar federal fiscal policies and pandemic-prompted broadband deployment funding programs, construction costs have skyrocketed," said a petition posted Thursday in docket 19-126 (see 2306210066). The coalition also asked the FCC to consider "providing a short amnesty period that allows RDOF winners to relinquish all or part of their RDOF winning areas without forfeitures or other penalties."
The FCC wants comments by Sept. 18, replies Oct. 2, on an NPRM and notice of inquiry on its legacy rate-of-return support programs, said a notice for Friday's Federal Register. Commissioners adopted the items in July and approved a related order modifying the alternative connect America cost model (ACAM) program (see 2307240064).
An FCC order establishing an enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (ACAM) program is effective Thursday, said a notice for that day's Federal Register. Commissioners adopted the order in July (see 2307240064).
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel appointed additional members to the North American numbering council, said a public notice Monday in docket 23-1 (see 2303080039). The first meeting of the rechartered NANC will take place virtually on Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. EDT.
The FCC Wireline Bureau wants comments by Sept. 11, replies Sept. 26, on whether it should extend its waiver of letter of credit rules for the Connect America Fund Phase II and rural broadband experiment support recipients in 2020 and 2021, said a public notice Friday in docket 10-90.
The proposed North American Numbering Plan Administration Fund size for FY24 will be $8.68 million with a contribution factor of 0.0001047, said an FCC Wireline Bureau public notice Thursday in docket 92-237 (see 2208080064).