Communications and Technology Alert: FCC Tentative May Open Meeting Agenda; NTIA NG911 Cost Study; E-Rate Integrity Report and Order; Blanket Section 214 Authority NPRM [Vol. XXIII, Issue 18]

Commission Releases Tentative May Open Meeting Agenda

Last week, the Commission announced the tentative agenda for its May Open Meeting, featuring several major policy items spanning consumer protection, broadband policy, disaster response, and universal service. The agenda includes an item titled Enhancing Know Your Upstream Provider Requirements, which proposes updates to the STIR/SHAKEN framework to strengthen robocall mitigation. The Streamlining Broadband Data Processes and Reducing Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens item focuses on improving the Broadband Data Collection and National Broadband Map. Next, the Modernizing the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) item aims to improve situational awareness during emergencies while reducing reporting burdens. Finally, the Launching a “High Cost” Program Initiative item seeks comment on how to modernize universal service support to ensure rural Americans have access to next generation communications services. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239) or Tim Doughty (doughty@khlaw.com; 202.434.4271).

NTIA Study Estimates Lower Cost to Implement NG911

Last week, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a study that found that the remaining cost to complete a nationwide transition to Next Generation 9 1 1 will range from $5.8 billion to $9.27 billion, representing a roughly 30–40 percent reduction from NTIA’s 2018 estimate. NTIA attributed the lower projected costs to substantial state investments already made and a broader shift from hardware based emergency systems to cloud based, subscription driven NG911 technologies that reduced upfront expenses. The study concluded that although many states had made progress, numerous jurisdictions still lacked critical NG911 capabilities, including geospatial call routing, cross border data sharing, and real time information delivery to first responders. NTIA said the analysis was intended to inform planning and funding discussions, rather than prescribe a specific federal funding approach, as policymakers continued to evaluate how to complete the nationwide NG911 transition. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239). 

Commission Adopts E-Rate Integrity Report and Order

Last Thursday, the Commission adopted a Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration to establish a new competitive bidding portal and document repository for the E-Rate program, which provides support for high-speed broadband access at schools and libraries across the country. The bidding portal and repository will be activated for the FY2028 competitive bidding cycle beginning on July 1, 2027, and will require respondents to file competitive bidding documentation when responding to requests for bids. Documentation will include bid evaluations, vendor selection documentation and contracts, which will help streamline E-Rate processes for applicants, providers, and the Commission. For more information, please contact Casey Lide (lide@khlaw.com; 202.434.4186) or Sean Stokes (stokes@khlaw.com; 202.434.4193).

Commission Adopts NPRM Prohibiting Covered List Entities from Blanket 214 Authorizations

Last Thursday, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on agency proposals to exclude entities identified on the Commission’s Covered List from providing domestic interstate telecommunications service pursuant to blanket authority granted under Section 214 of the Communications Act. The Commission also proposes to revoke existing blanket authority for entities identified on the Covered List. The NPRM is part of a wider effort by the Commission to reduce threats from “foreign adversaries” to domestic communications networks and critical infrastructure, which has included prohibiting telecommunications certification body (TCB) certifications and updating submarine cable licensing processes with new foreign ownership disclosures. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239) or Tim Doughty (doughty@khlaw.com; 202.434.4271).

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