Archives: Telecommunications

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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

IoT Update: Scotland and Australia’s Gold Coast announce IoT network initiatives

By Joshua Gray on Posted in Internet of Things (IoT), Privacy & Data Security, Telecommunications
As a sign of increasing localised investment in IoT networks, in recent days both the Scottish Government and Australia’s City of the Gold Coast have announced IoT networks using low power technology solutions.  The Scottish Government’s plan is part of a wider initiative to promote IoT services across the Scottish economy whereas the Gold Coast … Continue Reading

IoT Update: The European Electronic Communications Code – Developing the Future of IoT in the EU

By Katarzyna Lasinska on Posted in Internet of Things (IoT), Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
The European Commission estimates that the global market for the Internet of Things (“IoT”) will grow to 75.4 billion devices by 2023. It also estimates that the economic value of spectrum enabled services is at present worth €500 billion per year. This is expected to increase by 200% – up to €1 trillion a year … Continue Reading

IoT Update: China Releases National Automatic Vehicle Road Testing Rules

By Ruixue Ran, Alexander Wang and Runze Li - Legal Consultant on Posted in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Autonomous Vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT), Privacy & Data Security, Telecommunications, Uncategorized
In April 2018, China released its nationwide automatic vehicle road testing rules, the Intelligent Internet-connected Vehicles Road Test Administrative Rules (for Trial Implementation) (the “National Rules”), which took effect on May 1, 2018. “Intelligent Internet-connected vehicles,” as defined under the National Rules, are commonly referred to as “intelligent vehicles” or “autonomous vehicles,” which involve a … Continue Reading

IoT Update: Will California’s New Autonomous Vehicles Regulations Provide a Roadmap for a National Regulatory Framework on Driverless Cars?

By Jake Levine on Posted in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Autonomous Vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT), Privacy & Data Security, Telecommunications
On April 6th, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a Proposed Decision authorizing pilot testing for autonomous vehicles (AVs) in California. This action follows up on the California DMV’s permitting rules for AVs in California, which would have allowed driverless testing and deployment permits to issue as early as April 2 of this year. The DMV’s … Continue Reading

Covington IoT Update: Mobile Phone Manufacturer Settles with FTC Over Allegations that Its Vendor Collected Personal Data without Consent

By Inside Tech Media on Posted in Internet of Things (IoT), Privacy & Data Security, Telecommunications
Mobile phone manufacturer BLU Products, Inc. entered into a settlement agreement with the FTC last week to resolve allegations that one of BLU’s China-based vendors collected personal information about its consumers without proper consent. The settlement agreement, which took the form of a consent order, applies not only to BLU but also to its CEO … Continue Reading

Covington Internet of Things Update: The FCC Gets Ready for 5G Spectrum Auctions

By Thomas Parisi on Posted in Internet of Things (IoT), Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
As we explained in a prior post, 5G deployment will be a critical component to the ever-evolving Internet of Things (IoT). On April 17, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Public Notice seeking comment on the competitive bidding procedures for auctions involving spectrum in the 28GHz and 24 GHz bands. The auction of 28 … Continue Reading

Covington Internet of Things Update: FCC Looks to Bolster the Communications Supply Chain

By Thomas Parisi on Posted in Internet of Things (IoT), Telecommunications
Updated (5/3/2018) On April 17, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) broke new ground in the agency’s role in national security policy by voting unanimously to approve a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking captioned “Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs” (the “NPRM”).  The deadline for filing comments is June 1, … Continue Reading

UK House of Lords Inquiry on ‘The Regulation of the Internet’

By Kevin Coates and Siobhan L.M. Kahmann on Posted in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, Internet of Things (IoT), Privacy & Data Security, Social Media, Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
The UK House of Lords Select Committee on Communications has recently opened a Public Consultation on ‘The Regulation of the Internet’, with submissions being accepted until Friday 11 May. The Call for Evidence can be accessed here. The nine questions posed are relatively broad in scope, including: whether there is a need to introduce specific … Continue Reading

Covington Internet of Things Update: BEREC Confirms European 5G Strategy Priority and Opens Public Consultation on the European Net Neutrality Rules

By Siobhan L.M. Kahmann on Posted in Internet of Things (IoT), Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
BEREC, the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications, recently held its 34th public debriefing in Brussels. It confirmed, among other developments, that it has made 5G a strategic European priority for the next 3 years, and has opened a public consultation on the European Net Neutrality Rules – which will run until April 25 … Continue Reading

Covington Internet of Things Update: 5G at the FCC, and What That Means for IoT

By Thomas Parisi on Posted in Internet of Things (IoT), Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
Thermostats you control remotely with your phone. Watches that track runs and provide turn-by-turn navigation. Cars that drive themselves. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a remarkable ecosystem providing innovative and sometimes unexpected functions. But as the number and sophistication of connected devices increases, so too does the need for the infrastructure to handle increased … Continue Reading

States Battle to Resurrect Net Neutrality Rules

By Jake Levine and Jadzia Pierce on Posted in Broadcasting & Cable, Political, Social Media, Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
On December 14, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) voted along party lines to adopt a 210-page Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order, and Order (the “Restoring Internet Freedom Order” or “Order”) geared towards overhauling the net neutrality framework established during the Obama administration in 2015 (the “2015 Order”).  On February 22nd, the Order was officially … Continue Reading

Covington Internet of Things Update: China’s regulatory environment steps up for Low-Power WAN IoT deployment

By Ruixue Ran and Alexander Wang on Posted in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Intellectual Property, Internet of Things (IoT), Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
In 2017, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), China’s telecom regulator and industrial policy maker, issued the Circular on Comprehensively Advancing the Construction and Development of Mobile Internet of Things (NB-IoT) (MIIT Circular [2017] No. 351, the “Circular”), which sets out the policy goals and plans for NB-IoT development in China and concrete … Continue Reading

FCC: Bitcoin Mining Equipment is Causing Interference to T-Mobile in Brooklyn

By Yaron Dori and Matthew DelNero on Posted in Internet of Things (IoT), Spectrum & Mobile, Telecommunications
Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission sent a letter to an individual in Brooklyn, New York, alleging that a device in the individual’s residence that is being used to mine Bitcoin is generating spurious radiofrequency emissions, causing interference to a portion of T-Mobile’s mobile telephone and broadband network. The letter states that on November 30, 2017, … Continue Reading
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