Communications and Technology Alert: March Open Commission Meeting Agenda, PSHSB Announces UAS Conditional Approvals; Media Bureau Approves Nexstar Transaction; Rip-and-Replace Deadline Reminder [Vol. XXIII, Issue 12]
Commission Releases Agenda for March Open Commission Meeting
Last Thursday, the Commission announced the agenda for the Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 26th at 10:30 A.M. ET. The agenda includes consideration of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing further additions to the Commission’s robocall rules, including efforts to onshore call centers and reduce illegal robocalls originating from outside the United States. The Commission will also consider a NPRM proposing revisions to the Commission’s numbering policies, a Report and Order reducing regulatory barriers for next-gen IP-based technologies, an NPRM proposing additional spectrum for command-and-control of spacecraft, and a continuation of the “Delete, Delete, Delete” proceedings. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239) or Tim Doughty (doughty@khlaw.com; 202.434.4271).
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Releases First Round of UAS Conditional Approvals
Last Wednesday, the Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) released a Public Notice announcing an initial round of conditional approvals exempting certain UAS and UAS critical components from the Commission’s Covered List. Last December, the PSHSB added “all UAS and UAS critical components produced in a foreign county” as the first categorical listing to the Covered List, absent further determinations from the Department of War or Homeland Security that such devices were exempt. In January, the Commission established a new process for entities to request individual “conditional approvals” for their UAS and UAS critical components by submitting required information for review. The first round of conditional approvals is listed in Appendix B of the Public Notice. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239) or Tim Doughty (doughty@khlaw.com; 202.434.4271).
Media Bureau Announces Approval of Nexstar-TEGNA Sale
Last Thursday, the Commission’s Media Bureau released a Memorandum Opinion and Order detailing their approval of the sale of certain local broadcast TV stations from TEGNA to Nexstar. The Media Bureau approved the transaction on the basis that it will facilitate competition against national programmers and increase investment in local news and reports. Chairman Brendan Carr supported the deal as promoting localism and being consistent with the public interest in preserving the future of broadcast television. The transaction will allow Nexstar to own less than 15% of television stations nationally. For more information, please contact Casey Lide (lide@khlaw.com; 202.434.4186) or Sean Stokes (stokes@khlaw.com; 202.434.4193).
Enforcement Bureau Announces Enhanced Rip-and-Replace Provisions Reminder
Last Tuesday, the Commission’s Enforcement Bureau released a Public Notice reminding recipients of Rip-and-Replace funding of their ongoing obligations to comply with the Commission’s rules enforcing the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program. In particular, the Enforcement Bureau reminded recipients to file status updates for reimbursement claims under the Program every 90 days, and spending reports every six months. Recipients must also retain all relevant documentation related to their participation in the Program for 10 years. Additionally, eligible recipients were reminded of the obligation to complete their “removal, replacement, and disposal” (RRD) of covered equipment by May 8, 2026. 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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