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The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday outlawed robocalls that contain voices generated by artificial intelligence, a decision that sends a clear message that exploiting the technology to scam people and mislead voters won’t be tolerated. The announcement comes as New Hampshire authorities are advancing their investigation into AI-generated robocalls that mimicked President Joe Biden’s voice to discourage people from voting in the state's first-in-the-nation primary last month. Effective immediately, the regulation empowers the FCC to fine companies that use AI voices in their calls or block the service providers that carry them. “Bad actors are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to extort vulnerable family members, imitate celebrities, and misinform voters,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a news release. “We’re putting the fraudsters behind these robocalls on notice.”Photos You Should See View All 15 Images

Persons: robocalls, Joe Biden’s, Jessica Rosenworcel, “ We’re Organizations: Federal Communications Commission, Telephone Consumer Protection, FCC, “ Locations: New Hampshire

☆ Fmr. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai talks government crackdown on AI robocalls
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailFmr. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai talks government crackdown on AI robocallsHosted by Brian Sullivan, “Last Call” is a fast-paced, entertaining business show that explores the intersection of money, culture and policy. Tune in Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. ET on CNBC.

Persons: Ajit Pai, Brian Sullivan, “ Organizations: CNBC

☆ AI-generated voices in robocalls can deceive voters. The FCC just made them illegal
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) logo is seen before the FCC Net Neutrality hearing in Washington February 26, 2015. The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday outlawed robocalls that contain voices generated by artificial intelligence, a decision that sends a clear message that exploiting the technology to scam people and mislead voters won't be tolerated. The unanimous ruling targets robocalls made with AI voice-cloning tools under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, a 1991 law restricting junk calls that use artificial and prerecorded voice messages. Effective immediately, the regulation empowers the FCC to fine companies that use AI voices in their calls or block the service providers that carry them. "Bad actors are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to extort vulnerable family members, imitate celebrities, and misinform voters," FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a news release.

Persons: robocalls, Joe Biden's, Jessica Rosenworcel Organizations: Federal Communications Commission, FCC, Telephone Consumer Protection Locations: Washington, New Hampshire

☆ US to Stop Accepting New Enrollments for Low-Income Internet Subsidy Program
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday will stop accepting new enrollments for a government broadband internet subsidy program, used by nearly 23 million American households, which is set to run out of money in months. Congress previously allocated $17 billion to help lower-income families and people impacted by COVID-19 to gain internet access through a $30 per month voucher to use toward internet service. The White House in October asked for $6 billion to extend the program through December 2024 but Congress has not acted. The FCC says there is insufficient funding to support consumers beyond April. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)

Persons: David Shepardson, Chizu Nomiyama Organizations: WASHINGTON, Federal Communications Commission, FCC

☆ House Democrats propose crackdown on fake, AI-generated robocalls
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The number of robocalls placed in the US peaked at around 58.5 billion in 2019, according to estimates by YouMail, a robocall blocking service. For all robocalls, including those Americans have authorized from their bank or doctor’s office, any use of AI would have to be disclosed under the proposed law. But even as officials have gained some ground on unwanted robocalls, those making the calls are increasingly turning to new technologies such as artificial intelligence to stay a step ahead. It would also seek to force phone providers to offer free robocall-blocking services to consumers and require the FCC to maintain a public list of the top 100 illegal robocall campaigns. Other Democratic co-sponsors of the legislation include Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky, California Rep. Doris Matsui, Florida Rep. Darren Soto and Illinois Rep. Eric Sorensen.

Persons: Joe Biden, Frank Pallone, Pallone, ” Pallone, Jan Schakowsky, Doris Matsui, Darren Soto, Eric Sorensen Organizations: Washington CNN, House Democrats, New, New Hampshire voters, YouMail, CNN, House Energy, Commerce, Federal Communications Commission, Regulators, Industry, FCC, Federal Trade Commission, Democratic, Illinois, California Rep Locations: New Hampshire, California, Florida

☆ A robocall impersonating Joe Biden telling voters to stay home is the dawn of a devastating new era for phone spam: 'We knew this day would happen, and now it's here'
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Madison Hall | Grace Eliza Goodwin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. NBC News was the first to report the robocalls, which instructed voters to skip out on Tuesday's primary. "We know the value of voting Democratic on our votes count," the deep-faked recording of Biden said in a call. AdvertisementNowadays, even if you trust the incoming phone number, "you can't even trust the voice" on the other line, he said. In the New Hampshire phone scam, the phone number that voters saw when ringing was "spoofed," or faked, to appear to be from the leader of a pro-Biden super PAC.

Persons: —, Joe Biden, Biden, Nomorobo, Aaron Foss, Foss, Jonathan Nelson, robocalls, he's, we've, Nelson, it's, they've, Hiya Organizations: Service, New Hampshire, Business, NBC, Democratic, New, New Hampshire voters, Clearing, Biden, FCC, Federal Communications Commission Locations: New Hampshire, Hiya

☆ The FCC vs. the News in Your Neighborhood
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-14 | by ( Holman W. Jenkins | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Journal Editorial Report: Edward Lawrence interviews economic strategist Jason Trennert. Official Washington has Jessica Rosenworcel , the Federal Communications Commission chief. Last seen restarting a needless fight over net neutrality, over the holidays she committed more bureaucracy. The courts pressured her to complete her agency’s absurdly delayed 2018 “quadrennial review” of its extensive media ownership regulations. Of course she found these regulations more urgent than ever despite the internet having obliterated the ostensible electromagnetic scarcity on which they were premised.

Persons: Edward Lawrence, Jason Trennert, Mark Kelly You, Jessica Rosenworcel Organizations: Bloomberg, Washington, Federal Communications Commission

☆ Jana Partners calls for strategic review, possible sale at Frontier Communications -letter
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Svea Herbst-Bayliss | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Small toy figures with laptops and smartphones are seen in front of displayed Frontier Communications logo, in this illustration taken December 5, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsDec 4 (Reuters) - Activist investment firm Jana Partners is urging Frontier Communications (FYBR.O) to begin a strategic review, including a possible sale of the telecommunications company, arguing that its shares will continue to lag unless corrective action is taken. In the letter, the partners said they have spoken with potential strategic and financial buyers who have "indicated interest in participating in a company-initiated review process." A Jana spokesman declined to comment and a representative for Frontier did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In the letter Jana said Frontier's lagging stock price is linked to the fact the company hasn't been able to attract new investors since exiting bankruptcy in 2021.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Jana Partners, Jana, Barry Rosenstein, Scott Ostfeld, Goldman Sachs, hasn't, Frontier's, Svea Herbst, Bayliss, Nick Zieminski Organizations: REUTERS, Frontier Communications, Reuters, Board, Frontier, Wall, Svea, Thomson

☆ Fact Check: FCC guidelines on profanity do not apply to cable networks
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Indecent content is defined by the FCC as a portrayal of sexual or excretory organs or activities in an offensive manner without meeting the obscenity test. Profane content includes “grossly offensive” language considered a public nuisance. NBC is a broadcast network while CNBC is a cable network. “FCC rules on profanity don't apply to utterances on cable networks,” former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a reply to an ABC7 Chicago reporter requesting clarification under the circulating post on X. Cable networks are not prohibited from airing indecent or profane content.

Persons: Elon, “ Elon, ‘, Ajit Pai, Read Organizations: Federal Communications Commission, New York Times, CNBC, Facebook, FCC, Globe, NBC, NBC Universal, Comcast, Reuters, ABC7, Cable, Thomson Locations: ABC7 Chicago

☆ Biden proposes ban on cable cord cutting fees
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( Chelsey Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday announced a rule proposal to ban early termination fees for cable and satellite service contracts. The proposed rule would require cable operators and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) providers to eliminate early cancellation fees. According to that order, cable television is one sector where fees can stifle competition, due to costs associated with canceling services or switching service providers. "Companies shouldn't lock you into services you don't want with large fees," President Joe Biden said via X on Tuesday. The agency has also proposed 'all-in-pricing' for cable and satellite services, so that customers will see the total service costs, fees included, up front.

Persons: Joe Biden, WASHINGTON —, Jessica Rosenworcel, Joe Biden's, Rosenworcel Organizations: White, WASHINGTON, Federal Communications Commission, DBS, FCC Locations: Washington ,, U.S

☆ ‘Digital Discrimination’ in the Crosshairs of New FCC Rule
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Ryan Tracy | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Jessica Rosenworcel is chairwoman of the FCC, which is set to adopt a rule helping to ensure access to broadband service. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON—Internet service providers will have their business practices scrutinized for “digital discrimination” based on income or race under a regulation set to be adopted Wednesday by the Federal Communications Commission, raising legal risks for some of America’s most powerful companies. The new rule lays the groundwork for the FCC to hold providers such as AT&T or Comcast liable if their actions “differentially impact consumers’ access to broadband”—intentionally or not. That will include decisions about network upgrades, pricing, marketing, maintenance and more.

Persons: Jessica Rosenworcel, Kevin Dietsch Organizations: FCC, Getty, WASHINGTON, Federal Communications Commission, Comcast

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Communications Commission has enacted new rules intended to eliminate discrimination in access to internet services, a move which regulators are calling the first major U.S. digital civil rights policy. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said that Congress required the agency to adopt rules addressing digital discrimination, through bipartisan infrastructure legislation passed at the start of the Biden administration. Poorer, less white neighborhoods were found to have received lower investment in broadband infrastructure and offered worse deals for internet service than comparatively whiter and higher-income areas. It is simply not plausible that we could prevent and eliminate digital discrimination by solely, solely addressing intentional discrimination,” said fellow commissioner Geoffrey Starks. President Joe Biden has said the investments in the bipartisan infrastructure law are meant to connect every U.S. household to quality internet service by 2030 regardless of income or identity.

Persons: Jessica Rosenworcel, Biden, ” Rosenworcel, ”, Nicol Turner Lee, Brendan Carr, “ It’s, Carr, Geoffrey Starks, “, Trump, Joe Biden, Christopher Ali, “ That’s, Ali, ” Ali, ” ___ Matt Brown Organizations: WASHINGTON, Federal Communications Commission, FCC, Associated Press, Center for Technology Innovation, Brookings Institution, National Cable and Telecommunications Association, Free Press, Pennsylvania State University Locations: U.S, “

☆ US government aims to free up more wireless spectrum
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 13 (Reuters) - President Joe Biden's administration on Monday announced steps aimed at freeing up additional wireless spectrum for advanced technology needs and soaring U.S. wireless demand including by repurposing spectrum currently set aside for parts of the federal government. The White House said it was releasing a National Spectrum Strategy and a presidential memorandum to modernize U.S. spectrum policy that "includes new actions to improve spectrum management and spectrum access - including a study of more than 2,700 megahertz of spectrum for potential repurposing." The White House has said additional spectrum is key to next-generation wireless service and a variety of advanced technology, infrastructure and government needs. Key issues include working to free up government-owned spectrum that agencies no longer need to use, establishing processes for resolving spectrum-related conflicts and developing dynamic spectrum-sharing capability, the White House said. Biden's administration plans within 12 to 18 months to "advance research, create investment incentives and set forth measurable goals to advance spectrum access technology" including establishing spectrum test beds, the White House said.

Persons: Jonathan Ernst, Joe Biden's, David Shepardson, Will Dunham Organizations: United States Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Mobile U.S, White, Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Federal Communications Commission, U.S ., FCC, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, U.S

☆ 3 ways to know if your business could benefit from 5G
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( Iona Brannon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

If your business occupies at least 500,000 square feet, 5G could provide the right connectivity. He added: "You have to put close to 6,000 to 7,000 WiFi access points to cover 1 million square feet. In fact, Ahmed said that a loose rule for 5G was: Large spaces of about half a million square feet or more benefit. Consider your security needsIf your business deals with sensitive data or requires high levels of security, 5G can be a wise choice. And 5G security is significantly more robust than anything WiFi has today because of that."

Persons: There's, —, Shahid Ahmed, Ahmed Organizations: Service, Telecom, 5G, Nippon Telegraph, Telephone Corp, FCC, WiFi

casey newtonAnd this caused a big sort of emotional reaction that said, wow, that feels like really, really icky. It’s just really, really awful. How do I get really, really good at this? But we have that explosion at the beginning, which is really, really exciting. I’m still interested in smartphones because I think they’re really, really advanced pieces of tech.

Persons: kevin roose, Kevin Roose, ” casey newton, Casey Newton, ” kevin roose, casey newton Oh, casey newton, ” kevin roose You’re, kevin roose That’s, kevin roose I’m Kevin Russo, Marques Brownlee, a.k.a, We’ve, don’t, casey newton Well, Meta, It’s, casey newton Right, casey newton It’s, kevin roose Totally, I’ve, you’re, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, They’re, that’s, kevin roose Casey, Hansel, Gretel, let’s, they’re, casey newton Jewel, ”, Juul, Meta didn’t, we’ve, “ We’re, There’s, Al Capone, They’ve, —, Kevin, casey newton I’ve, casey newton That’s, Marquez Brownlee, Casey, He’s, Marquez, he’s, Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, you’ll, marquez brownlee, casey newton I’m, You’ve, casey newton Let’s, you’ve, it’s, I’m, he’ll, kevin roose Marquez, PewDiePie, marquez brownlee I’ll, they’ve, Ralph, That’s, kevin roose It’s, you’d, we’re, I’d, casey newton Libraries ! marquez brownlee, everyone’s, Samantha, Davis, Fancy, Bard, DALL, Midjourney, ChatGPT, Bing, who’s, it’ll, OpenAI, Pope, kevin roose Pope, — casey newton, casey newton Ah, Mickey Mouse, Eli Lilly, barbecuing, bro, Fabio, Getty, Greg Rutkowski, kevin roose Really, Greg, there’s, Ben Zhao, casey newton We’re, Bob Ross Organizations: The New York Times, YouTube, Meta, pharma, AGs, Netflix, COPPA, Facebook, Congress, Digital Services, Federal Communications Commission, ABC, CBS, FCC, Samsung, casey newton Libraries, VR, Apple, ChatGPT, Enterprise, DALL, Disney, Twitter, Getty, “ MIT Tech, University of Chicago, Adobe Locations: California, Colorado, what’s, you’re, Europe, United States, China, earbuds

☆ FCC Revives ‘Net Neutrality,’ Proposes New Regulations for Internet Service
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Ryan Tracy | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel says Internet service has become as essential as electricity and deserves stricter government oversight. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/Zuma PressWASHINGTON—The Federal Communications Commission proposed to apply utility-like regulations to America’s internet service providers, a policy change expected to raise costs for Comcast , Charter Communications , AT&T and other blue-chip companies. The proposal, adopted by the agency’s Democratic majority Thursday in a 3-2 party line vote, opened another chapter of a long-running dispute about how Washington should oversee internet service. At stake: Whether the FCC will expand its power to regulate some of the largest U.S. companies providing a service that has become essential to modern life.

Persons: Jessica Rosenworcel, Tom Williams, Zuma Press WASHINGTON Organizations: Zuma Press, Federal Communications Commission, Comcast, Charter Communications, Democratic, U.S Locations: Washington

☆ Net neutrality, blunted under Trump, may soon be revived
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Lauren Feiner | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Demonstrator on the issue of net neutrality at the U.S. Capitol February 27, 2018 in Washington, DC. Net neutrality is poised for a resurgence after the Federal Communications Commission voted Thursday to begin the process of reestablishing the so-called open internet rules. The vote revives a debate that last came to a head in 2017 when the agency voted to reverse the net neutrality rules created just a couple of years earlier. Republican Commissioner Brendan Carr pointed to statements from Democratic lawmakers in support of net neutrality and called the earlier campaign for the rules a "viral disinformation campaign." "We're now faced with advocates who can't accept that they won and that we have de facto net neutrality," Republican Commissioner Nathan Simington said.

Persons: Democrats Rosenworcel, Gomez, Geoffrey Starks, Carr, Simington, Jessica Rosenworcel, Anna Gomez, Biden, Gigi Sohn, Brendan Carr, We're, Nathan Simington, Rosenworcel, They're Organizations: U.S, Capitol, Federal Communications, Democrats, Democratic, Republican, Communications, Comcast, CNBC, White Locations: Washington ,, California, Sacramento

☆ Meta, Apple and Google cheer FCC ruling that could pave the way for new AR and VR applications
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Lauren Feiner | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

An attendee uses a Meta Platforms Inc. Quest 3 virtual reality (VR) headset during an event in San Francisco, California, US, on Sept. 18, 2023. The agency unanimously voted to open the 6 GHz band to what what they call "a new class of very low power devices," like wearable technology. The company sees the opening of the 6 GHz band as an important step in its vision for its smart glasses. "The 6 GHz band has become critical for the future of wireless connectivity," Google 's hardware group, Pixel, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Apple similarly called the FCC vote "a positive step forward," in a statement on Thursday.

Persons: Meta, Kevin Martin Organizations: Inc, Federal Communications Commission, FCC, Apple, Broadcom, Meta, Google, CNBC, YouTube Locations: San Francisco , California, North America

☆ US FCC votes to advance plan to reinstate net neutrality rules
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Net neutrality advocates rally in front of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ahead of Thursday's expected FCC vote repealing so-called net neutrality rules in Washington, U.S., December 13, 2017. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 19 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission voted Thursday to advance a proposal to reinstate landmark net neutrality rules and assume new regulatory oversight of broadband internet that was rescinded under former President Donald Trump. The commission voted 3-2 on proposal to reinstate open internet rules adopted in 2015 and reestablish the commission's authority over broadband internet. The FCC voted in 2017 to reverse the rules that barred internet service providers from blocking or throttling traffic, or offering paid fast lanes, also known as paid prioritization. The FCC will take public comments before it is expected to vote next year to finalize the plan.

Persons: Yuri Gripas, Donald Trump, David Shepardson Organizations: Federal Communications Commission, REUTERS, Rights, U.S . Federal Communications, FCC, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S

☆ Brain Death at the FTC and FCC
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Holman W. Jenkins | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Holman W. Jenkins Jr. is a member of the editorial board of The Wall Street Journal. Mr. Jenkins joined the Journal in May 1992 as a writer for the editorial page in New York. In February 1994, he moved to Hong Kong as editor of The Asian Wall Street Journal's editorial page. Mr. Jenkins won a 1997 Gerald Loeb Award for distinguished business and financial coverage. Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Jenkins received a bachelor's degree from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

Persons: Holman W, Jenkins, Mr, Gerald Loeb, William Smith Organizations: Street, William, William Smith Colleges, Northwestern University, University of Michigan Locations: New York, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Hobart

☆ Your phone just sounded an alarm. Don't panic.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Haley Tenore | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

FEMA is working with the FCC to send out a nationwide test of the emergency alert system. Don't be alarmed, it was just a scheduled test from the emergency alert system. The phone alert displayed the text, "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. FEMA sent out a national test of its emergency alert system. AdvertisementAdvertisementFEMA and the FCC testing out the emergency alert system is not out of the ordinary.

Persons: —, Don't, Haley Tenore, Nino Correa Filomeno Organizations: FEMA, FCC, Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Communications Commission, Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau, National Wireless, Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency, EAS Locations: Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Guam, Montana

☆ In a first-ever for space junk, Dish Network was fined $150,000 for leaving a retired satellite to orbit indefinitely in the wrong place
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The agency said Dish left the satellite at the wrong disposal orbit at the end of its mission. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Federal Communications Commission announced Monday it has fined Dish Network $150,000 for a retired satellite that was left in the wrong place in space as concerns about space trash grow. In a statement, the FCC said Dish left the retired satellite at a "disposal orbit well below the elevation" that was required. AdvertisementAdvertisementInstead, after realizing in 2022 that the satellite was low on propellant and would not be able to reach that altitude, Dish retired the satellite only about 76 miles above that operational arc. The FCC said the lower disposal orbit could pose space debris concerns.

Persons: —, Loyaan, Flytrap, Joel C, TransAstra Organizations: FCC, Dish Network, Service, Federal Communications Commission, Dish, Bureau, FCC's, NASA

☆ Why your phone is going to buzz and sound an alarm on Wednesday
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Haley Tenore | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

FEMA is working with the FCC to send out a nationwide test of the emergency alert system. The phone alert will show the text, "THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. The EAS normally sends out notifications for severe weather and amber alerts, according to the FCC. It is able to broadcast messages by radio and TV, along with wireless emergency alerts that are received via text message. FEMA and the FCC testing out the emergency alert system is not out of the ordinary.

Persons: —, Don't, it's, Nino Correa Filomeno Organizations: FEMA, FCC, Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Communications Commission, Puerto Rico Emergency Management Bureau, National Wireless, Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency, EAS Locations: Puerto Rico, Spanish, Guam, Hawaii, Montana

☆ DISH gets first-ever space debris fine over EchoStar-7
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Oct 2 (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission said on Monday it has issued its first space debris enforcement fine, of $150,000 for DISH (DISH.O) which failed to properly de-orbit its EchoStar-7 satellite. The wholly owned unit of DISH Network admitted liability and will adhere to a compliance plan, the commission said, adding that the company's action "could pose orbital debris concerns." FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan Egal said Monday's announcement "is a breakthrough settlement, making very clear the FCC has strong enforcement authority and capability to enforce its vitally important space debris rules." In February 2022, DISH said "the satellite had very little propellant left, which meant it could not follow the original orbital debris mitigation plan in its license." The FCC in September 2022 voted to adopt new rules to address growing risks of orbital debris to space exploration by shrinking the time to remove defunct satellites.

Persons: Loyaan Egal, David Shepardson, Mark Porter, Richard Chang Organizations: Federal Communications Commission, Network, FCC, Thomson

☆ FCC issues first-of-its-kind space debris fine against Dish
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Jackie Wattles | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

“This marks a first in space debris enforcement by the Commission, which has stepped up its satellite policy efforts,” the FCC said in a news release. The objects could pose a risk of colliding with active satellites, the International Space Station or other pieces of debris, further exacerbating the risk of in-space collisions. It was launched to geostationary orbit — a field of space that begins about 22,000 miles (36,000 kilometers) above Earth — in 2002. But, according to the FCC, Dish did not leave enough fuel on board the satellite to make that maneuver possible. But geostationary orbit remains home to large, expensive telecommunications satellites, such as those operated by Dish, Intelsat, SES and Viasat.

Organizations: CNN — Satellite, Dish Network, Federal Communications Commission, Commission, FCC, Space, Dish, Intelsat, SES, Viasat

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