GAO Report on Broadband Speed, Improving FCC Communications |
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new report last week covering broadband speed, and whether the FCC should improve its communication of advanced telecommunications capability assessments.
What GAO found: The FCC is required by statute to assess the deployment of broadband across the U.S. Although not explicitly required to do so, FCC uses its discretion to set a minimum fixed broadband speed that it uses as a benchmark. Since 2015, FCC has set this benchmark at 25/3 Mbps—that is, 25 Mbps when downloading, which refers to the bits per second that travel to a user's device, and 3 Mbps when uploading, which refers to the bits per second that travel from a user's device. As part of its annual assessment of broadband deployment, FCC determines whether to change its broadband speed benchmark by soliciting public comment and analyzing information.
In examining FCC's six reports issued between 2015 and 2021, GAO found inconsistencies in the reported scope of FCC's analysis of benchmark speed and its reported rationale for updating or not updating the benchmark.
In its report, GAO recommends that the FCC's Chair provide consistent communication in its reporting on how FCC determines whether advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed and when updating the related metrics that FCC uses to assess broadband speeds and deployment. FCC agreed with this recommendation.
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Richard Carrizzo Named Chair of FirstNet Authority Board |
Last week U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the appointment of Chief Richard Carrizzo to serve as board chair of the First Responder Network (FirstNet) Authority.
Carrizzo is the fire chief for the Southern Platte Fire Protection District in Missouri, who was first appointed to the FirstNet Authority Board in 2018 and reappointed in 2021, serving as the Board Vice Chair and the Advocacy Committee Chair. He succeeds Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin, who resigned as Board Chair effective March 31, 2023, to assume a position in the White House.
The First Responder Network Authority is an independent entity within the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The FirstNet Authority’s mission is to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of the nationwide public safety broadband network that equips first responders to save lives and protect U.S. communities. In March 2017, the Department of Commerce and FirstNet announced a partnership with AT&T to build and operate the first responder network. It is delivering the technologies and infrastructure that public safety relies on for day-to-day operations, disaster response and recovery, and securing of large events.
In the Middle-Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, Congress created the FirstNet Authority, and directed that it be governed by a 15-person Board, with the U.S. Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget named as permanent Board members. Congress charged the Secretary of Commerce with selecting the remaining 12 non-permanent members and appointing a Board Chair.
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NTIA to Host May 4 Info Session Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund First Notice of Funding Opportunity |
The NTIA will host an information session on May 4 from 9 a.m. to Noon ET, following the launch of the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund’s first Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The event will provide an opportunity for the program team to discuss the technical aspects of the NOFO, as well as best practices for applicants navigating the federal awards process. The session will also provide interested applicants with the opportunity to ask questions.
The Innovation Fund aims to foster competition, lower costs for consumers and network operators, support innovation across the global telecommunications ecosystem, and strengthen the 5G supply chain. The overall objectives include unlocking opportunities for innovative companies, particularly small and medium enterprises, to compete in a market historically dominated by a few suppliers, some of which present a high security risk.
The May 4 info session will be held in person at the U.S. Department of the Interior Yates Auditorium (1849 C St. NW, Washington, DC 20240). If you are unable to attend in-person, please email InnovationFund@ntia.gov with questions you would like to be addressed during the question and answer portion at least two days in advance of the meeting.
To attend in person, register here.
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NTIA Releases Challenge Process Guidance, Comments due May 5 |
The NTIA released its BEAD Challenge Process Policy on its Internet For All website. Included is its proposed BEAD Challenge Process Guidance and BEAD Model Challenge Process.
The BEAD Program Notice of Funding Opportunity includes the requirement that each eligible entity submit an initial proposal describing, among other things, a BEAD “challenge process” under which a unit of local government, nonprofit organization, or broadband service provider may challenge a determination made by the eligible entity in the initial proposal as to whether a particular location or community anchor institution is eligible for BEAD funds, including whether a particular location is unserved or underserved.
NTIA is seeking public comment on this proposed guidance, which must be submitted to BEAD@NTIA.gov by midnight on May 5, 2023.
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Chairs Rodgers, Latta Commend Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Unleash Innovation in Satellite and Spectrum Technologies |
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-OH) applauded bipartisan legislation to enhance next-generation wireless service, in a statement, saying “Americans need access to reliable, high-speed internet services, whether on the farm, in their home, or in emergency situations. It is essential that America continues to lead in developing these technologies to close the digital divide. We look forward to building on this work and commend these bipartisan efforts which will improve satellite broadband services for Americans and strengthen emergency communications services.”
The following bills passed out of the House through suspension:
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