President Biden Announces FCC Nominations |
President Biden last week announced his intent to nominate Anna M. Gomez, Geoffrey Adam Starks and Brendan Carr to serve on the Federal Communications Commission
Starks and Carr currently serve on the FCC and are being renominated for another term. Gomez, who would fill the vacant Commission seat, is a telecommunications attorney with extensive experience in domestic and international communications law and policy. She currently serves as a senior advisor for International Information and Communications Policy in the FCC's Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy. Gomez served as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Deputy Administrator from 2009 to 2013. She also served for 12 years in various positions at the FCC, including as Deputy Chief of the International Bureau and as Senior Legal Advisor to then-Chairman William E. Kennard. Gomez also served briefly as Counsel on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Communication and as Deputy Chief of Staff of the National Economic Council during the Clinton Administration. Prior to joining the State Department in 2023, Gomez was a partner in Wiley LLP’s telecommunications media and technology group. Gomez also was vice president for Federal and State Government Affairs at Sprint Nextel and an associate at Arnold and Porter.
"The announcement nominating Anna Gomez to the FCC and renominating Commissioner Starks and Commissioner Carr is welcome news. All three of these individuals will help bring important viewpoints to the Commission and their expertise will advance policies that will meet the moment to bridge the digital divide," said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering.
"We have been delighted to work closely with both Commissioner Starks and Commissioner Carr on a number of issues and hear directly from them during our annual Policy Summits. With the robust public and private investment to build out networks, we have worked closely with Commissioner Carr to break down barriers to deployment, increase competition in the marketplace, and connect Americans from every corner of the country," Pickering continued.
"While connectivity has been a major focus, we have been pleased to work with Commissioner Starks specifically on affordability issues. He has been a stalwart defender to ensure that connectivity is not just robust but that it is affordable by all. We look forward to working with Anna as we have with each of the other four Commissioners and welcome her deep knowledge and expertise on a number of issues, specifically her work at NTIA and in the private sector. The Commission has been stuck in a 2-2 log jam for far too long. We urge the Senate to act swiftly on these nominations so the Commission can finally begin to tackle the pending matters before the committee and make real progress towards closing the digital divide and bringing Internet for all."
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NTIA and Alan Davidson Meet the Mission to Bridge Digital Divide |
Last week the House Energy and Commerce hosted a hearing to Reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA),
“With the once-in-a-generation influx of both private and public funding to build out our nation’s networks, the NTIA plays a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide. Especially in the last year, the NTIA, under the leadership of Alan Davidson, has done a tremendous job to meet this mission. Alan and his team have worked tirelessly to implement the several broadband initiatives created by recent legislation,” said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering. “We have a fantastic opportunity to transform every community with connectivity and I have full faith and confidence in the work Alan and his team are doing to get us closer to Internet for all.”
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NTIA Releases Open RAN Security Report |
At the May 2023 Leaders' Summit, NTIA welcomed a new in-depth report outlining cybersecurity considerations associated with using Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN) as an approach to developing network architecture. This report was commissioned and financed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan, prepared in cooperation with industrial partners, including a mobile network operator (MNO) and cybersecurity companies and reported to the Quad Critical and Emerging Technology Working Group.
The report demonstrates that Open RAN offers important cybersecurity advantages, that risks sometimes attributed to Open RAN are common to traditional RAN deployments as well, and that these risks can be mitigated and managed through the recommendations presented in the report.
The report will inform Quad members’ domestic and shared approaches to Open RAN security priorities and will also serve as a global resource to support adoption of open, interoperable, and trusted network architectures.
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Schedule of Upcoming NTIA Internet for All Events |
The NTIA announced dates for upcoming "Internet for All" events in four states:
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Administration Takes Steps to Advance Responsible AI |
The Biden Administration announced new efforts that will advance the research, development and deployment of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) that protects individuals’ rights and safety and delivers results for the American people
The Administration has taken significant action to promote responsible AI innovation that places people, communities, and the public good at the center, and manages risks to individuals and our society, security, and economy. This includes:
Earlier in May, the Administration convened representatives from leading AI companies for a briefing from experts across the national security community on cyber threats to AI systems and best practices to secure high-value networks and information.
Last week's announcements included:
- An updated roadmap to focus federal investments in AI research and development (R&D): The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is releasing a National AI R&D Strategic Plan—updated for the first time since 2019—a roadmap that outlines key priorities and goals for federal investments in AI R&D. Developed by experts across the federal government and with public input, this plan makes clear that when it comes to AI, the federal government will invest in R&D that promotes responsible American innovation, serves the public good, protects people’s rights and safety, and upholds democratic values. It will help ensure continued U.S. leadership in the development and use of trustworthy AI systems.
- A new request for public input on critical AI issues: OSTP is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to seek input on national priorities for mitigating AI risks, protecting individuals’ rights and safety, and harnessing AI to improve lives. This RFI will support the Administration’s ongoing effort to advance a cohesive and comprehensive strategy to manage AI risks and harness AI opportunities. It complements work happening across the federal government to engage the public on critical AI issues.
- A new report on the risks and opportunities related to AI in education: The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology is releasing a new report, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations, summarizing the risks and opportunities related to AI in teaching, learning, research, and assessment. The report recognizes that AI can enable new forms of interaction between educators and students, help educators address variability in learning, increase feedback loops, and support educators. It also underscores the risks associated with AI—including algorithmic bias—and the importance of trust, safety, and appropriate guardrails.
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