FCC Reminds RMD Filers of Base Forfeiture Amount Changes | |
The Wireline Competition Bureau issued a public notice reminding robocall mitigation database (RMD) filers of changes to the base forfeiture amounts that apply only to RMD filers for submitting false or inaccurate information to the RMD, and failing to update their RMD filings within 10 business days as required by the rules.
The forfeiture changes apply only to violations related to filings in the RMD, not to CORES information for non-RMD filers.
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| | Comment Deadlines Set for VoIP Numbering Authoriziations | |
The FNPRM on direct access to numbers by providers of interconnected VoIP services was published in the Federal Register.
The FNPRM seeks comment on restricting VoIP numbering authorizations or reevaluating existing authorizations for entities identified on the FCC’s covered list, including their affiliates and subsidiaries, or if the FCC discovers covered equipment in an interconnected VoIP provider’s network, among other things.
Comments are due March 16, 2026; replies are due April 13, 2026.
| | | NARUC Passes Resolution on Numbering White Paper | |
The NARUC board of directors passed resolutions at its winter policy summit, including one urging adoption of a numbering white paper and its filing with the FCC.
The white paper recommends the FCC:
- Provide clarity, guidance and support to state commissions in the management of numbering resources
- Strengthen existing rules placing strict limits on new requests for numbering resources by noncompliant service providers
- Use the FCC’s audit authority over number resources to actively review regulatory filings, among other things
| | | Senate Commerce Approves Broadband Funding Map Bill | The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation held a full committee executive session, during which it approved nominations and legislation. One piece of legislation was S. 2585, MAP for Broadband Funding Act, which would improve the funding map to promote the most efficient use of federal funds for broadband deployment. | | | House Committees Meet to Markup Telecom-Related Bills | |
Last week, the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee marked up and advanced H.R. 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act, which would extend FirstNet’s authorization through 2037 and implement governance reforms to increase transparency, accountability, and public safety representation.
Meanwhile, the House Rules Committee met to prepare three bills for floor consideration under closed rules, one of which was H.R. 261, the Undersea Cable Protection Act.
| | | House Subcommittee Hearing on AI Enhancing Workplace Safety | |
On February 11, the House Education and Workforce Committee, Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to enhance workplace safety and protect workers.
Watch on-demand here.
| | | Senate Subcommittee Holds BEAD Oversight Hearing | |
On February 10, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science held an oversight hearing on the Department of Commerce’s implementation of the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
Watch on-demand here.
| | | The NTIA updated its frequently asked questions about the BEAD Program. The new information relates to audit requirements, letters of credit, subgrant agreements, NEPA/permitting and performance measures.
NTIA’s advisement comes after several states recently reported receiving letters from SpaceX with riders attached. The riders sought to modify the subgrantee agreements between the states and its low-Earth orbit satellite internet provider, Starlink, without rewriting them. However, NTIA affirmed that its rules are final and internet providers like SpaceX’s Starlink cannot rewrite or alter the rules of the contract or BEAD’s terms and conditions. | | | | | |
