New America’s Open Technology Institute asked the FCC to use USF programs to extend connectivity to students without broadband access during COVID-19, in an emergency filing on docket 02-6: "Designate a substantial portion of the $2.2 billion in currently available E-Rate funding" to distribute internet hot spots to families through schools and libraries.
The PR-USVI Fund Coalition asked the FCC to waive letter of credit requirements for participants in USF telecom rebuild program for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (see 2002250038), in a petition posted Wednesday on docket 18-143. It cited different LOC requirements in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund program and "exigent circumstances" due to COVID-19. Members include Aeronet, Critical Hub Networks and VPNet.
Borrowers in the Rural Utilities Service ReConnect broadband subsidy program should be the only ones eligible to bid on census blocks serving the same territory in the upcoming FCC Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, NTCA and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association recommended, posted Tuesday in docket 19-126. Borrowers "would by no means" be guaranteed to win USF support for the same area, the associations acknowledged. The groups spoke Monday with Preston Wise, rural broadband adviser to Chairman Ajit Pai.
MediaJustice, the United Church of Christ and 60-plus other groups asked FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to facilitate free inmate calling services during COVID-19 pandemic, in a petition in docket 12-375 and as expected (see 2003300022). ICS providers should sign Pai's Keep Americans Connected pledge, and the FCC shouldn't let Securus stop making USF contributions, they asked. Also Tuesday, Worth Rises asked for free ICS calls.
The FCC will allow indoor operations over the full 1,200 megahertz of 6 GHz, without automated frequency control and at power levels lower than what the cable industry and others sought, said a draft order released Thursday. As expected, the FCC will regulate indoor use on a power-spectral density (PSD) basis (see 2004010065). The draft proposed these devices be limited to 5 dBm/MHz radiated PSD, lower than the 8 dBm/MHz sought by cable and others (see 2003260049). Industry officials said that means less throughput for devices using the wide channels. The draft proposes higher limits for outdoor devices using AFC.
FCC commissioners finished OK'ing an emergency COVID-19 telehealth program Tuesday (see 2004010032) that directs $200 million from the Cares Act to healthcare providers to treat patients at home. Chairman Ajit Pai circulated the item Monday (see 2003300048) and Commissioner Brendan Carr voted then. Commissioner Geoffrey Starks said Tuesday morning he voted yes. At that day's FCC meeting, Commissioner Mike O'Rielly asked that the item, which attached a three-year, $100 million USF Connected Care pilot long in the works (see 2003120002), be split in two so commissioners could deliberate on them separately.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said Wednesday he will seek a vote at the April 23 commissioners' meeting on opening the 6 GHz band to sharing with Wi-Fi unlicensed (see [Ref2004010053]). Some consider it a capstone to his legacy. A few key details remain unclear. More will be revealed Thursday when the draft is released.
The FCC Wireline Bureau waived rules restricting eligible telecom carriers from spending USF support for high-cost programs outside an awarded geographic service territory so mobile providers have more flexibility in directing the funds to an affiliated ETC's service area more in need due to COVID-19, said an order Tuesday. The flexibility is in place until June 30 and may be extended.
Commissioners voiced support Tuesday for two telehealth items Chairman Ajit Pai announced Monday (see 2003300048). Commissioner Geoffrey Starks said he voted yes before Tuesday's meeting. Brendan Carr had previously said similar. To be approved, FCC actions need three votes. When a chairman circulates an item, it usually signals the chair has voted yes.
FCC commissioners OK'd rules for a $200 million COVID-19 telehealth program late Tuesday, after remaining members voted, agency officials told us. It directs the funds appropriated in the Cares Act. Also OK'd, but without unanimous support, was a three-year, $100 Connected Care pilot funded by USF, agency officials said.