Archives: Telecommunications

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FCC Set to Ease Rules that Have Limited Pre-Sales and Other Marketing of Some New Electronic Devices

By Gerard J. Waldron, Matthew DelNero and Madeline Salinas on Posted in FCC, Internet of Things (IoT), Telecommunications
Last Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) announced that it will consider a Report and Order at its June 21, 2021 open meeting that would permit the importation and conditional sale of radiofrequency (RF) devices prior to obtaining equipment authorization in some circumstances.  The consumer electronics industry has advocated for this rule change, which will … Continue Reading

FCC Announces New Efforts to Block “Insecure Devices” from the U.S. Market

By Matthew DelNero, Brooke Kahn and Madeline Salinas on Posted in Cybersecurity, FCC, Internet of Things (IoT), Telecommunications
Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has announced that at its next monthly public meeting on June 17, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) will kick off a process to change its equipment authorization rules and competitive bidding procedures to address national security threats. The draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”), released Thursday, proposes changes to the FCC’s … Continue Reading

FCC Seeks Input on Impact of Global Semiconductor Shortage

By Matthew DelNero and Madeline Salinas on Posted in Computing, FCC, Supercomputers, Telecommunications
As has been widely reported, there is an ongoing global shortage of semiconductor chips that enable products and services throughout many sectors of the economy.  On Tuesday, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) released a Public Notice seeking public comment on the impact of this chip shortage on the U.S. communications sector specifically. The Public … Continue Reading

FCC Considering Changes to Emergency Alert Service Rules; Collecting Information About Potential Application to Streaming Services

By Yaron Dori and Andrew Longhi on Posted in FCC, Telecommunications
Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Notice of Inquiry (NOI) regarding its Emergency Alert Service (“EAS”) rules.  These rules govern how emergency alerts are transmitted by federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial officials to the public over mobile phones, radios, and televisions.… Continue Reading

FCC Announces Section 230 Rulemaking

By Matthew DelNero, Yaron Dori and Corey Walker on Posted in Emerging Technologies, FCC, Privacy & Data Security, Social Media, Telecommunications
FCC Chairman Pai announced today that the FCC will move forward with a rulemaking to clarify the meaning of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA).  To date, Section 230 generally has been interpreted to mean that social media companies, ISPs, and other “online intermediaries” have not been subject to liability for their users’ … Continue Reading

Order Responding to Net Neutrality Court Decision Circulated for Consideration at FCC’s October Meeting

By Matthew DelNero, Yaron Dori and Corey Walker on Posted in FCC, Telecommunications
Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) circulated a new Net Neutrality Order for consideration at its October meeting.  This draft Order on Remand does not mark a change in the FCC’s Net Neutrality policy; rather, it responds to several issues raised by the D.C. Circuit in Mozilla v. FCC, which reviewed the 2017 Restoring Internet … Continue Reading

FCC Formalizes Foreign Investment Reviews; More National Security Actions Likely to Follow

By Matthew DelNero, Yaron Dori, Janine Slade and Brian Wiliams on Posted in Broadcasting & Cable, FCC, Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications, Transactions
Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) unanimously adopted an order formalizing the referral and review process associated with “Team Telecom”—the group of national security and law enforcement agencies responsible for assessing foreign investment in U.S. telecommunications, submarine cable licensees, and broadcast licensees. The order adopts rules and procedures that will govern what has long been … Continue Reading

FCC Releases Draft Order Formalizing “Team Telecom” Process

By Matthew DelNero, Yaron Dori and Corey Walker on Posted in Broadcasting & Cable, FCC, Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications, Transactions
Last week, the Federal Communications Commission circulated a draft order that will formalize its coordination with what has been known as “Team Telecom”—the national security review process for foreign investments in U.S. telecommunications companies.  The draft order, which the FCC will consider for adoption at its September 30 Open Meeting, includes rules and procedures governing … Continue Reading

The Legal Debate Over Net Neutrality Shifts to State Laws

By Thomas Parisi and Corey Walker on Posted in Telecommunications
A little over a month ago, the deadline for appealing the D.C. Circuit’s decision in Mozilla v. FCC expired.  The Mozilla decision upheld the FCC’s 2017 Restoring Internet Freedom Order (“Order”), which rolled back Obama-era net neutrality regulations to largely deregulate broadband internet service provider (“ISP”) practices.  No party sought Supreme Court review of the … Continue Reading

FCC Seeks Comment on Section 230 Petition

By Matthew DelNero on Posted in Emerging Technologies, Social Media, Telecommunications
FCC Chairman Pai announced today that the FCC would seek public comment on the Administration’s July 27 Petition for Rulemaking on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA)—the law that to date has meant that social media companies, ISPs, and other “online intermediaries” have not been subject to liability for their users’ actions. Comments … Continue Reading

IoT Update: Administration Seeks Public Input on Rollout of 5G Strategy

By Matthew DelNero and Corey Walker on Posted in Cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), Telecommunications
Reflecting the heightened interest in 5G and related cybersecurity concerns, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has requested public comment on the implementation of its National Strategy to Secure 5G. Stakeholders with interests in telecommunications infrastructure and security—and any parties interested in 5G generally—currently have the opportunity to provide input on the plan that … Continue Reading

IoT Update: FCC’s February Meeting Features Several 5G and IoT-Related Items

By Corey Walker on Posted in Internet of Things (IoT), Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications, Uncategorized
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has again demonstrated that enabling the 5G ecosystem that, among other things, will drive breakthroughs in the Internet of Things (IoT), remains an agency priority. In a meeting late last week, the FCC adopted multiple items aimed at expanding spectrum availability and access for 5G applications and services, as well … Continue Reading

IoT Update: FCC Raises the Benchmark for Rural Broadband Deployments

By Matthew DelNero, Corey Walker and Danielle Kehl on Posted in Computing, Internet of Things (IoT), Telecommunications
Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) formally adopted a draft order aimed at supporting the buildout of robust wired broadband networks in underserved rural areas. The Commission created the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which targets up to $20.4 billion over ten years for investment in high-speed broadband networks. In addition to narrowing the digital … Continue Reading

Multiple Bipartisan 5G Wireless Bills Advance in Congress

By Holly Fechner, Matthew Shapanka and Judith Foo on Posted in Internet of Things (IoT), Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
5G wireless technology has captured the attention of Congress.  At least 30 5G-related bills have been introduced in the House and Senate this Congress, signaling widespread interest by lawmakers in 5G. Several of these bills, addressing a range of issues including national security concerns, the promotion of U.S. leadership in international 5G standards-setting bodies, and … Continue Reading

IoT Update: FCC Proposes New Spectrum Plan for Vehicle Safety and Unlicensed Uses

By Jennifer Johnson and Thomas Parisi on Posted in Autonomous Vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT), Telecommunications, Uncategorized
With all the current excitement around emerging high-tech autonomous vehicles and internet of things (IoT) devices, it may surprise some observers that around 20 years ago the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), at Congress’s direction, was already taking some important steps with respect to these technologies.  Most notably, the FCC set aside the 5.9 GHz band, … Continue Reading

Federal Appellate Court Largely Upholds FCC’s Order Repealing Most Net Neutrality Rules and De-Regulating Broadband; Holds that FCC Does Not Have Authority to Preempt All State Net Neutrality Laws

By Matthew DelNero and Thomas Parisi on Posted in Telecommunications, Uncategorized
In a long-awaited decision, today the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld a January 2018 decision by the FCC to repeal most net neutrality rules and classify broadband as an unregulated “information service,” despite requiring the FCC to conduct further proceedings to justify certain aspects of its decision.  At the same time, … Continue Reading

IoT Update: Building Out the “Cutting Edge” for an Infrastructure Package

By Jayne Ponder, Rebecca Yergin and Layth Elhassani on Posted in Autonomous Vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT), Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to reinforce the need for legislation to update the nation’s infrastructure. In the speech, he urged both parties to “unite for a great rebuilding of America’s crumbling infrastructure” and said that he is “eager to work” with Congress on the issue. Significantly, he … Continue Reading

IoT Update: Council of the European Union adopts the European Electronic Communications Code and BEREC Regulation

By Jonathan Benjamin on Posted in Digital Single Market, European Electronic Communications Code, European Union, Internet of Things (IoT), Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
On 4 December 2018, the Council of the European Union (the “Council”) formally approved a major reform of the European telecom regulatory framework, the European Electronic Communications Code (the “EECC”). The Council also approved an associated regulation on the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (“BEREC Regulation”).… Continue Reading

IoT Update: Navigating the Course of Spectrum for Connected and Automated Vehicle Technologies

By Rebecca Yergin on Posted in Autonomous Vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT), Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has a key role to play in driving the development of connected and automated vehicles (“CAV”) technology. As we explained in a recent CAV IoT Update, the FCC has been studying the risks associated with specific CAV technologies that could provide unique channels for potential cyberattacks. This post examines the … Continue Reading

IoT Update: Who’s at the Wheel? Connected and Automated Vehicles Stakeholders Weigh In from the Mcity Congress

By Jake Levine, Suzanne Bell, Brandon Palmen, Sarah Wilson, Jennifer Johnson and John Buchanan on Posted in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Autonomous Vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT), Privacy & Data Security, Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
Last week, Covington dispatched a team of connected and automated vehicles (“CAV”) practitioners to participate in the Mcity Congress, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Lawyers from our Technology and IP Transactions, Public Policy, Product Safety and Liability, and Insurance practice groups presented a series of observations and insights around mitigating liability in the CAV industry, and … Continue Reading

Net Neutrality Update: California and the United States Agree to Stay Further Proceedings Pending Review of FCC Order

By Jake Levine and Jadzia Pierce on Posted in Broadcasting & Cable, Computing, Internet of Things (IoT), Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
In exchange for a stay of the proceedings in both United States v. California and American Cable Association v. Becerra, California has agreed not to enforce its new net neutrality law, SB 822, pending the resolution of Mozilla Corp. v. FCC, the lawsuit challenging the FCC’s Restoring Internet Freedom Order (“Order”).  The Order had repealed … Continue Reading

IoT Update: BEREC launches public consultation on the ‘Data Economy’

By Siobhan L.M. Kahmann on Posted in Competition Law, Internet of Things (IoT), Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
On the 10th October 2018, BEREC (the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications) launched its public consultation on the ‘Data Economy’. This comes at a time when different regulators are increasingly discussing the importance of big data, including the opportunities and risks that it brings about, how these may evolve, and how (and increasingly … Continue Reading

California Adopts Net Neutrality Law; Court Hearing Scheduled for Nov. 14

By Jadzia Pierce and Jake Levine on Posted in Broadcasting & Cable, Political, Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
On September 30, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill to apply net neutrality rules to Internet Service Providers (“ISPs”) operating in that state.  California is not the first state to enact legislation on net neutrality, but its bill contains the most stringent requirements yet.  The Trump Administration and multiple ISPs have sued to prevent … Continue Reading

IoT Update: FCC Efforts to Encourage 5G Infrastructure Investment

By Thomas Parisi on Posted in Internet of Things (IoT), Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
5G deployment and availability will greatly expand and enhance the Internet of Things (IoT). As we explored in a prior post, apart from spectrum availability, one of the other primary keys to promoting 5G development is increased investment in both wireless and wireline infrastructure. Without the necessary infrastructure (e.g. small cells, fiber backhaul) to support … Continue Reading
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