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☆ US FCC chair says China's Quectel, Fibocom may pose national security risks
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Jonathan Newton/Pool via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel asked U.S. government agencies to consider declaring that Chinese companies including Quectel (603236.SS) and Fibocom Wireless (300638.SZ) pose unacceptable national security risks, according to letters seen by Reuters. Federal funds cannot be used to purchase equipment from companies on the list, and the FCC will not authorize new equipment from companies deemed national security threats. Rosenworcel wrote the FBI, the Justice Department, the National Security Agency, the Defense Department and other agencies on Sept. 1, forwarding the request from the lawmakers. She added the FCC can update the Covered List "only at the direction of national security authorities." Last year the FCC voted to revoke China Unicom’s U.S. unit, Pacific Networks and ComNet’s authorization to operate in the United States, citing national security concerns.

Persons: Jessica Rosenworcel, Jonathan Newton, Mike Gallagher, Krishnamoorthi, Rosenworcel, David Shepardson, Jonathan Oatis, David Gregorio Our Organizations: U.S . Senate Commerce, Science, Transportation Committee, Federal Communications Commission, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Federal Communications, U.S, Fibocom Wireless, Reuters, Republican, China, FCC, FBI, Justice Department, National Security Agency, Defense Department, Huawei, ZTE, Hytera Communications Corp, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology, Zhejiang Dahua Technology, Pacific Networks, Embassy, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Quectel, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, U.S, United States, Washington

☆ US FCC will release public comments on bid to deny Fox TV station license renewal
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A man walks past the logo of Fox Networks Group during the annual MIPCOM television programme market in Cannes, France, October 16, 2018. The FCC said it was opening a public docket allowing for release of comments and presentations, saying permitting broader participation will serve the public interest. A Fox Television spokesperson on Wednesday said the "petition to deny the license renewal of WTXF-TV is frivolous, completely without merit and asks the FCC to upend the First Amendment and long-standing FCC precedent." The FCC, an independent federal agency, does not license broadcast networks, but issues them to individual broadcast stations on a staggered basis for eight-year periods. Fox cited FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel's comments in 2017 opposing Trump's suggestion the FCC could revoke the broadcast license for Comcast's (CMCSA.O) NBC over coverage of his administration.

Persons: Eric Gaillard, Fox, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Jessica Rosenworcel's, Rosenworcel, David Shepardson, Sonali Paul Organizations: Fox Networks Group, REUTERS, Rights, U.S . Federal Communications Commission, Fox Television Stations, The Media, Democracy, Fox, U.S . Capitol, FCC, Fox Corp, Dominion Voting Systems, Republican, Fox Television, FOX, Philadelphia, NBC, Thomson Locations: Cannes, France, Philadelphia, U.S

☆ More than 20 million Americans enrolled in a federal program for subsidized internet access
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Washington CNN —More than 20 million US households are now receiving discounts on internet service as part of a federal program created to close the digital divide, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Recipients living on tribal lands can receive even more, up to $75 per month to help cover internet access costs. Then, this February, Vice President Kamala Harris announced the figure had grown to more than 16 million households saving a total of $500 million a month on internet service. The program has continued to gain more than half a million new households a month since then. The ACP isn’t the only way the US government has recently moved to expand internet access.

Persons: Washington CNN —, Kamala Harris, ”, Jessica Rosenworcel Organizations: Washington CNN, Federal Communications Commission, Program, SNAP, Pell, FCC, ACP, Commerce Department, Broadband Equity Locations: United States

☆ Two US lawmakers raise security concerns about Chinese cellular modules
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jonathan Newton/Pool via REUTERS/File PhotoWASHINGTON, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Two U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to address questions about potential security concerns involving cellular modules made by Chinese companies including Quectel (603236.SS) and Fibocom Wireless (300638.SZ). Cellular modules are components that enable internet of things (IoT) devices to connect to the internet. The lawmakers asked if the FCC is considering using the Covered List to address Chinese-owned cellular modules. "Could requiring certification for modules used in communications equipment be an effective means" of addressing Chinese modules in U.S. networks? In 2022, the Chinese Embassy in Washington said the FCC "abused state power and maliciously attacked Chinese telecom operators again without factual basis."

Persons: Jessica Rosenworcel, Jonathan Newton, Mike Gallagher, Raja Krishnamoorthi, David Shepardson, Mark Porter, Leslie Adler Organizations: U.S . Senate Commerce, Science, Transportation, Federal Communications Commission, Tuesday, Fibocom Wireless, Republican, China, FCC, Pacific Networks Corp, HK, Huawei Technologies, ZTE Corp, Hytera Communications Corp, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology, Zhejiang Dahua Technology, Embassy, Huawei, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Quectel, China, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, Washington

☆ FCC issues historic $300 million fine against the largest robocall scam it has ever investigated
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday cracked down on a massive illegal robocall operation responsible for billions of auto-warranty scam calls in recent years, with regulators imposing a record $300 million fine on what authorities said is the largest such network it has ever investigated. The globe-spanning illegal operation violated US telecom laws by making more than five billion robocalls to more than half a billion phone numbers over the course of just three months in 2021, the FCC said in a release Wednesday. But the campaign had been in existence for even longer, the FCC added. At the same time, the FCC directed US voice providers to stop carrying calls originating from providers used by the network. “We know the scam artists behind these calls are relentless — but we are coming for them and won’t stop until we get this junk off the line,” Rosenworcel said.

Persons: —, Roy Melvin Cox Jr, Aaron Michael Jones, Dave Yost, Jessica Rosenworcel, ” Rosenworcel Organizations: CNN, Federal Communications Commission, FCC, Ohio, of, Justice Department Locations: United States, Ohio, of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii, New Mexico

July 20 (Reuters) - New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday directed state departments to investigate health risks associated with old lead-clad cables left by telecommunication companies. The Wall Street Journal this month reported that telecom companies, including AT&T (T.N) and Verizon Communications (VZ.N), had left toxic lead cables on poles, underwater and buried under ground across the U.S. including in New York. The investigation is to better understand the inventory and ownership of such cables in New York, Hochul said. "AT&T’s commitment to addressing our members’ exposure to lead must go beyond point-in-time testing of blood lead levels and incorporate proper follow up," the union said. U.S. Representative Pat Ryan of New York on Thursday wrote to the CEOs of Verizon, AT&T and industry group U.S. Telecom, demanding that they remove lead cables.

Persons: Kathy Hochul, Hochul, John Stankey, Jessica Rosenworcel, Rosenworcel, Pat Ryan, Ryan, Mrinalika Roy, Vinay Dwivedi, Marguerita Choy Organizations: Verizon Communications, Verizon, The Communications Workers, America, Federal Communications, Environmental Protection Agency, White House Council, Environmental, U.S . Telecom, Thomson Locations: New, New York, Bengaluru

☆ Two U.S. senators to automakers: don't remove AM radio from new vehicles
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, June 23 (Reuters) - Two U.S. senators wrote seven major automakers on Friday urging them not to remove AM radio from new vehicles. "Preserving AM radio not only aligns with the growing recognition of its significance but also demonstrates a commitment to public safety and meeting consumer expectations," the senators wrote. Markey said last month the seven automakers had opted to remove AM broadcast radio from their electric vehicles. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing major automakers, said, "mandating AM radios in all vehicles is unnecessary. Automakers pointed to an existing system that distributes warnings across AM, FM, internet-based or satellite radio, and over cellular networks.

Persons: Ted Cruz, Ed Markey, Markey, Cruz, Jim Farley, Jessica Rosenworcel, David Shepardson, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Republican, Senate, Committee, BMW, Volkswagen, Mazda, Volvo Cars, Ford, The Alliance, Automotive Innovation, Federal Communications, Thomson

☆ US FCC proposes to force cable TV operators to disclose full pricing
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The plan would require providers to disclose the total cost of video programming service - including broadcast retransmission consent, regional sports programming and other programming-related fees - as a prominent single line item on bills and in promotional materials. Major cable TV companies include Comcast Corp (CCZ.N), Cox Communications, Charter Communications (CHTR.O) and others. NCTA-The Internet & Television Association, an industry group representing the major cable TV companies, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ACA Connects, which represents smaller video providers, said its members "are committed to transparency in their sales and billing practices." The rules require broadband providers to display, at the time of sale, labels that show prices, speeds, fees and data allowances.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Jessica Rosenworcel, Anna Gomez, David Shepardson, Will Dunham, Chris Reese Organizations: U.S . Federal Communications Commission, Comcast Corp, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Dish Network, Democratic, FCC, & Television Association, Democrats, Senate Republicans, Thomson

☆ Biden nominates telecom attorney Anna Gomez to FCC after more than two years of deadlock
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Lauren Feiner | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

President Joe Biden nominated telecom attorney Anna Gomez to the Federal Communications Commission, his second attempt to fill an empty seat on the typically five-member panel that has left the agency in a 2-2 deadlock for his entire presidency thus far. Gomez has previously worked for the FCC in several positions over 12 years, the White House said. Jonathan Spalter, president and CEO of USTelecom, a trade group that represents broadband providers like AT&T and Verizon , congratulated Gomez in a statement. Free Press, a nonprofit advocacy group that supports net neutrality, said Gomez's nomination was long overdue. González called Gomez "eminently qualified" for the role and praised the nomination of a Latinx candidate to the position.

☆ FCC proposes rules to reassess foreign-owned US telecom services authority
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, March 29 (Reuters) - The head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Wednesday proposed new rules to periodically reassess existing authorizations for foreign-owned companies to provide telecommunications services in the United States. The U.S. telecommunications regulator has raised mounting concerns about Chinese telecom companies in recent years which had won permission to operate in the United States decades ago. In 2019, the FCC voted to deny state-owned Chinese telecom firm China Mobile Ltd (0941.HK) the right to provide U.S. services and later withdrew U.S. authorizations for several other Chinese telecom carriers including China Telecom Corp (0728.HK). Rosenworcel said: "It is so important to have the agency regularly review foreign companies’ authorizations to providetelecommunications services in the United States." In December, a federal appeals court rejected China Telecom's challenge to the FCC order withdrawing the company's authority to provide services in the United States.

☆ A Big Donor, Nancy Pelosi and the FCC
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-21 | by ( The Editorial Board | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

We recently told you that Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel ’s move to scuttle Standard General’s acquisition of TV station operator Tegna Inc. is dubious as a matter of law. Now evidence suggests she may have been doing the bidding of a major Democratic donor. Byron Allen ’s Allen Media Group made a play for Tegna in autumn 2021. Bloomberg News reported at the time that he was seeking to raise money from investment funds to buy Tegna and roll his existing stations into the new company. Around the same time, Mr. Allen made several contributions to then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic campaign committees.

☆ FCC cracks down on spammy text messages
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Washington CNN —The Federal Communications Commission is cracking down on spammy text messages with new rules for telecom companies, citing a surge of consumer complaints in recent years tied to unwanted robotexts. The new rules require phone providers to block text messages from suspicious sources including phone numbers that appear to be “invalid, unallocated, or unused.” Carriers will also have to block text messages coming from phone numbers that claim not to ever send text messages, or that the government has identified as numbers not used for texting, the FCC said. But in recent years, an explosion of spam and scam text messages appears to have taken their place, leading to more than 18,000 consumer complaints at the FCC last year. The FCC is mulling additional regulations that could, among other things, apply Do Not Call registry protections to text messages for the first time. The FCC said it is also considering making it harder for marketers to use a single consumer consent to flood that user with calls and text messages from multiple sources and numbers.

☆ Biden administration looks to free up wireless spectrum for advanced technology
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, March 15 (Reuters) - The Biden administration on Wednesday launched an effort to identify significant wireless spectrum that can be repurposed for advanced technology needs and soaring U.S. wireless demand. The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is developing a National Spectrum Strategy with a goal to identify at least 1,500 megahertz of spectrum to study for potential new uses. The strategy will address current and future spectrum needs, including fixed and mobile wireless broadband, next-generation satellite communications and other space-based systems; advanced transportation; and industrial and commercial applications. Congress last week let the FCC's authority to auction wireless spectrum lapse for the first time in three decades, prompting some lawmakers to quickly restore the authority that has raised more than $200 billion in proceeds for the U.S. government. "We've got 6G networks coming, new mega-constellations of satellites, connected automobiles, the internet of things - all of that demands new uses of spectrum," Davidson said.

☆ Skullduggery at the FCC
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( The Editorial Board | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Gigi Sohn withdrew her stalled nomination for the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday after Joe Manchin (D., W.Va.) announced his opposition. Chair Jessica Rosenworcel will now have to advance her progressive agenda without a wingman, but her effort to kill a major media acquisition on the sly shows what she’s up to. Ms. Sohn blamed “unrelenting, dishonest and cruel attacks” for her failure to be confirmed in two Congresses. But she has a long record as an unrelenting partisan and her attacks on conservative media suggested she couldn’t be trusted to be fair-minded in regulating the airwaves.

☆ U.S. FCC proposes additional spectrum for drone communications
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-04 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Jan 4 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Wednesday proposed new rules to make licensed radio spectrum in the 5 GHz band for the rising number of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, in use. Currently, drones typically operate under unlicensed and low-power wireless communications rules or experimental licenses. The FCC also said it is seeking comment on whether current rules for various spectrum bands are sufficient to ensure co-existence of drones and terrestrial mobile operations. "The FCC must ensure that our spectrum rules meet the current – and future – spectrum needs of evolving technologies such as unmanned aircraft systems, which can be critical to disaster recovery, first responder rescue efforts, and wildfire management," FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said. Because drones are usually operated remotely, they depend "critically on wireless communications between a ground-based control station and the (drone) to control the flight," the FCC said.

☆ Appeals court rejects China Telecom bid to reverse U.S. ban
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Dec 20 (Reuters) - A federal appeals court on Tuesday rejected China Telecom Corp's (0728.HK) challenge to a Federal Communications Commission order withdrawing the company's authority to provide services in the United States. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia rejected the bid by the U.S. arm of China Telecom to reverse the order that took effect in January. The FCC said in 2021 that China Telecom (Americas) "is subject to exploitation, influence and control by the Chinese government." A lawyer for China Telecom (Americas) and the FCC did not immediately comment. China Telecom had argued the FCC violated its rules by refusing to hold a hearing before revoking China Telecom (Americas)’ domestic and international common-carrier authorizations.

☆ Appeals court rejects China Telecom bid to reverse US ban
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

A federal appeals court on Tuesday rejected China Telecom Corp’s challenge to a Federal Communications Commission order withdrawing the company’s authority to provide services in the United States. A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia rejected the bid by the US arm of China Telecom to reverse the order that took effect in January. The FCC said in 2021 that China Telecom (Americas) “is subject to exploitation, influence and control by the Chinese government.”A lawyer for China Telecom (Americas) did not immediately comment. In 2019, the FCC voted to deny state-owned Chinese telecom firm China Mobile Ltd the right to provide US services and later withdrew US authorizations for several Chinese telecom carriers. China Telecom had argued the FCC violated its rules by refusing to hold a hearing before revoking China Telecom (Americas)’ domestic and international common-carrier authorizations.

☆ Scammers are using Biden's student-loan forgiveness as a 'cover for fraud' to get borrowers' personal information. The federal government is cracking down.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The scams were directly related to Biden's announcement of broad debt relief in August. Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it would be cracking down on a scam robocall campaign that used Biden's announcement of up to $20,000 in debt relief to get information from borrowers. The FCC identified Urth Access, LLC as the group responsible for generating upwards of 40% of student debt robocalls in October. "Today we're cutting these scammers off so they can't use efforts to provide student loan debt relief as cover for fraud." A generic script of the call is typically as follows, per the FCC:"Hello this is to inform you that the Student Loan payment suspension has been extended to December 31 of this year.

The Federal Communications Commission said Thursday that it had blocked all U.S. phone companies from taking calls from a tiny communications company accused of sending robocalls that push fraudulent student loan relief services. “Today we’re cutting these scammers off so they can’t use efforts to provide student loan debt relief as cover for fraud,” FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said in an emailed statement. It identified a single company, UrthAccess, as the central origin for a substantial amount of student loan spam. UrthAccess was by far the single biggest provider of student loan robocalls in recent months, Quilici said. It was responsible for more than 40% of all student loan robocalls in October, the FCC said.

REUTERS/Aly Song/File PhotoNov 25 (Reuters) - The Biden administration has banned approvals of new telecommunications equipment from China's Huawei Technologies (HWT.UL) and ZTE (000063.SZ) because they pose "an unacceptable risk" to U.S. national security. "These new rules are an important part of our ongoing actions to protect the American people from national security threats involving telecommunications," FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement. ZTE, Dahua, Hytera and the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FCC said in June 2021 it was considering banning all equipment authorizations for all companies on the covered list. That came after a March 2021 designation of five Chinese companies on the so-called "covered list" as posing a threat to national security under a 2019 law aimed at protecting U.S. communications networks: Huawei, ZTE, Hytera Communications Corp Hikvision and Dahua.

☆ The federal government just took another big swipe at illegal robocalls
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Washington CNN Business —The federal government took another big swipe at illegal robocalls on Tuesday, as it moved to block a voice provider from the entire US phone network for the very first time. The order by the Federal Communications Commission targets Global UC, a company that claims to serve more than 200 businesses globally with low-cost international calling services. According to the FCC, Global UC’s unprecedented termination comes after it failed to comply with US regulations aimed at countering illegal robocalls. Global UC didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. According to its website, Global UC is a subsidiary of a global firm with six subsidiaries and millions of subscribers around the world.

☆ U.S. telecom regulator launching new space bureau
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

WASHINGTON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to create a new space bureau to address the growing number of satellite launches and policy issues, agency chair Jessica Rosenworcel said. The FCC plans to restructure its International Bureau into a new Space Bureau and a standalone Office of International Affairs. "The satellite industry is growing at a record pace, but here on the ground our regulatory frameworks for licensing them have not kept up," Rosenworcel said Thursday, adding the agency over the past two years the agency has received applications for 64,000 new satellites. Reporting by David ShepardsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Exclusive: FAA warns of aviation safety risks without U.S. mandate on 5G limits
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Oct 25 (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wants the U.S. telecommunications regulatory agency to ensure a delay in some 5G C-Band transmissions from smaller operators. The letter was sent to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel was copied. The NTIA, FAA and FCC did not immediately comment. The FAA letter said the voluntarily mitigations by AT&T and Verizon "have resulted in the safe deployment of more than 50,000 wireless antennas across the nation." Nolen's letter seeks near-term conversations at senior levels between the NTIA, FAA and FCC.

☆ U.S. lawmakers want to boost oversight of foreign government broadcast sponsorship
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-17 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Monday introduced legislation to strengthen the authority of the Federal Communications Commission to oversee foreign sponsorships of U.S. broadcast TV and radio programs. "Foreign governments shouldn’t be able to hide behind shell companies to fund misinformation and propaganda on American airwaves," Schatz said. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterBlackburn said foreign governments currently "can use shell companies to broadcast regime-funded propaganda across American airwaves. The bill would not prohibit foreign governments from sponsoring content on U.S. airwaves. The court noted that the FCC had raised concerns "that the Chinese and Russian governments have been secretly leasing air time to broadcast propaganda on American radio."

☆ U.S. FCC set to ban approvals of new Huawei, ZTE equipment- document
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-13 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, Oct 13 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is set to ban approvals of new telecommunications equipment from China's Huawei Technologies and ZTE (000063.SZ) in the United States on national security grounds, according to a document posted by the agency. The companies would not be able to sell new equipment in the United States without equipment authorizations. In June 2021, the FCC voted to advance the plan to ban approvals for equipment in U.S. telecommunications networks from Chinese companies deemed national security threats, including Huawei and ZTE. ... We have left open opportunities for (Huawei and other Chinese equipment) use in the United States through our equipment authorization process. The FCC action would prohibit all future authorizations for communications equipment deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security.

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