The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) has adopted a “Programmatic Waiver” of its letter of credit (“LOC”) requirement for subgrantees of funding under the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (“BEAD”) program created by the Infrastructure and Investment
Beyond Telecom Law Blog
LEGAL AND REGULATORY UPDATES FOR THE TELECOM INDUSTRY
The Beyond Telecom Law Blog, published by Keller Heckman, focuses on legal and regulatory issues at the intersection of communications technology and policy. It covers topics such as FCC regulations, telecommunications infrastructure, broadband deployment programs, equipment authorization, and compliance with federal communications laws. The blog analyzes developments in areas like spectrum management, broadband funding initiatives, and technology-neutral regulatory approaches. It also addresses legal challenges faced by telecom providers, including marketing and sales compliance, tax implications for network investments, and evolving government policies affecting the telecom sector.
Latest from Beyond Telecom Law Blog - Page 3
Little-Known Drone Radio Compliance Requirement Subject of FCC Rulemaking
Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are experiencing rapid growth throughout the world. In the United States, the FAA expects the recreational UAV fleet to reach almost 1.5 million units by 2024. Significant growth is also expected in commercial drones…
FCC Proposes New NG911 Rules
Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) released a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to help facilitate the nationwide transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911). The Commission will vote on this NPRM at its Open Meeting on June…
Treasury Releases Final Version of SLFRF/CPF Supplemental Broadband Guidance
By Casey Lide
The Treasury Department has released the final version of important compliance guidance applicable to broadband projects funded through SLFRF or CPF awards. The “SLFRF and CPF Supplemental Broadband Guidance” (“Guidance”) addresses several crucial issues relating to the use…
Ten Key Issues for Broadband Network Operating Agreements
By Sean A. Stokes & Casey Lide
While there is no one solution to deploying affordable broadband, broadband partnerships have emerged as an attractive option in many areas of the country; indeed, in some instances, partnerships may be the only feasible option.[1] Recognizing the attractiveness of…
Treasury Proposes Important New Guidance for SLFRF/CPF Broadband Projects
On March 28, 2023, the Treasury Department issued and invited comments on proposed compliance guidance applicable to broadband projects funded through SLFRF[1] or CPF[2] awards (“Proposed Guidance”).
The Proposed Guidance addresses a variety of important questions relating to…
Keller and Heckman Webinar: Navigating the FCC’s Universal Service Program: Compliance Requirements for Service Providers
On March 9, 2023, Keller and Heckman attorneys Greg Kunkle and Casey Lide presented a webinar titled “Navigating the FCC’s Universal Service Program: Compliance Requirements for Service Providers.”
The FCC’s Universal Service Fund (USF) program is one of the most…
With Billions of Dollars of Broadband Funding at Stake, the Timing of the Challenge Process to the FCC’s Broadband Map Under Increasing Scrutiny
Just over a month ago, the FCC released its pre-production draft of its new Broadband Maps. The initial map is based on service availability data collected from broadband providers through the ongoing Broadband Data Collection (“BDC”) and reflects services…
FCC Proposes Updated Network Outage Rules
The FCC adopted a Second Report and Order at its Open Meeting on November 17, promulgating rules requiring service providers to deliver more timely and actionable information to 911 facilities during network outages. The Commission hopes the new rules will…
Overview of the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection Bulk Fabric Challenge Process
The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) completed its first Broadband Data Collection (“BDC”) on September 1, 2022.[1] The Commission is now accepting and evaluating bulk challenges to the FCC’s Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric (“Fabric”), which serves as the…