BROWSING: FCC

FCC approves rules for NTN direct-to-device service

The Federal Communications Commission has unanimously approved a new rules framework on satellite-based, cellular communications directly to end-user devices—or "supplemental coverage from space" (SCS). The new rules provide guidance to "enable collaborations between wireless carriers and satellite operators to make sure smartphone users stay...

#TBT: C-block spectrum tussles; the ‘Big Mac’ of wireless devices; Wireline vs. wireless … this week in 1996

Editor’s Note: RCR Wireless News goes all in for “Throwback Thursdays,” tapping into our archives to resuscitate the top headlines from the past. Fire up the time machine, put on those sepia-tinted shades, set the date for #TBT and enjoy the memories! C-block spectrum tussles WASHINGTON-The...

NTIA releases implementation plan for National Spectrum Strategy

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has released the implementation plan for the Biden administration's National Spectrum Strategy, which aims to kick off working groups on three candidate bands this month and have technical work to be completed by the end of next year....

Republicans introduce spectrum pipeline bill that favors high-power, licensed use

New bill requires at least 1,250 megahertz of spectrum between 1.3-13.2 GHz be auctioned for full-power, licensed commercial use It has been slightly more than a year since the auction authority of the Federal Communications Commission was allowed to lapse, and a new, Republican-backed bill...

#TBT: Monetizing MEC; FCC nominee withdraws; Dish tests 800 MHz … this week in 2023

Editor’s Note: RCR Wireless News goes all in for “Throwback Thursdays,” tapping into our archives to resuscitate the top headlines from the past. Fire up the time machine, put on those sepia-tinted shades, set the date for #TBT and enjoy the memories! Snapdragon Spaces at...

NTIA Spectrum Policy Symposium: Spectrum, collaboration and the global tech race

The U.S. is in global race for leadership in wireless technologies, and the implementation of the country's new National Spectrum Strategy will impact the direction of spectrum policy for decades. That strategy and its implementation is the focus of the National Telecommunications and Information...

FCC, FTC tout robocall enforcement

The Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission said that a an ongoing joint effort to undermine and reduce spam and scam robocalls is bearing fruit. The two agencies have been jointly focusing on robocall enforcement; the FTC calls its program "Operation Point...

‘Each year without an auction … digs the US deeper into a hole’: CTIA presses for FCC auction authority, speedy execution on spectrum plans

'NTIA has less than two years to get the U.S. back on track," telecom industry group's CEO writes The United States' leadership in spectrum policy, 5G and reaping the economic benefits of the most advanced mobile networks are in jeopardy and have to get back...

#TBT: FCC chairman resigns; Stimulus package funds broadband; iPhone sales slump … this week in 2009

Editor’s Note: RCR Wireless News goes all in for “Throwback Thursdays,” tapping into our archives to resuscitate the top headlines from the past. Fire up the time machine, put on those sepia-tinted shades, set the date for #TBT and enjoy the memories! FCC chairman resigns Federal...

Congress seeks to continue broadband service subsidies

ACP Extension Act would continue monthly broadband service subsidies for more than 20 million households In the wake of the Federal Communications Commission announcing wind-down procedures for the Affordable Connectivity Program, a bipartisan group of Senators and House members have put forward legislation that would...

FCC warns that ACP faces wind-down without more funding

As Congress works to hash out a federal budget, the Federal Communications Commission is warning that the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides monthly subsidies to help American families pay for broadband services, will have to end unless it receives an additional influx of funding. Federal...

Test and Measurement: Anritsu boosts NTN testing

Test company Anritsu said recently that the first Non-Terrestrial Network protocol conformance tests for narrowband IoT were validated on its 5G NR Mobile Device Test Platform ME7834NR, in conjunction with testing of Sony Semiconductor Israel’s Altair device. Those tests have been submitted to the...

5G SALE Act signed; T-Mo can get its 2.5 GHz licenses

FCC's auction authority has yet to be reinstated by Congress It literally took an act of Congress, but T-Mobile US will get access to the licenses the carrier won in 2022. President Joe Biden has signed the 5G SALE Act, giving temporary authorization to the...

Nokia has private 5G drone solution certified for US Industry 4.0 by FCC

Nokia has had its industrial LTE and 5G drone solution (Nokia Drone Networks) certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US. It said it is the first “native 4G/5G drone-in-a-box solution” to get the nod from the FCC. It is targeted at...

Congress passes bill that would get T-Mo its 2.5 GHz licenses

Bill is headed to President Joe Biden's desk Congress has passed a bill that would enable T-Mobile US and other winners in the most recent auction of 2.5 GHz licenses to take ownership of spectrum licenses that were acquired during a 2022 auction but have...

The FCC wants to increase minimum broadband speeds to 100/20 Mbps

How fast should internet access be, to be considered "broadband"? The Federal Communications Commission wants to increase the minimum required speed for broadband, which it currently considers to be at least 25 Mbps upstream and 3 Mbps downstream, to 100/20 Mbps. That minimum broadband speed...

Biden admin asks for full funding for rip-and-replace

Another $3.1 billion would fully fund eligible carrier requests The Biden administration has asked Congress for an additional $3.1 billion to fully fund small-and-medium-sized network operators' efforts to remove and replace network gear and services from banned Chinese vendors. The Secure and Trusted Communications Networks...

FCC okays E-Rate funds to equip school busses with Wi-Fi

Federal E-Rate funds can be used to outfit school busses with Wi-Fi access points, the Federal Communications Commission has declared. The declaratory ruling was supported by the Commission's three Democrats, and opposed by its two Republicans. Commissioners Brendan Carr and Nathan Simington argued both that...

FCC sets deadline for broadband consumer labeling

New consumer broadband labeling must be in place next year The Federal Communications Commission has laid out the deadlines for broadband service providers to put in place new consumer labeling that, much like nutrition labeling, is meant to give consumers a thorough and standardized view...

FCC confirms that Dish is meeting 5G deployment commitments

Dish has six months to complete drive testing to confirm its network speeds The Federal Communications Commission has confirmed to Dish Wireless that it has met its 5G build-out requirements and two of three related commitments, with one set of test results still pending...

Two FCC commissioners re-confirmed

Carr, Starks confirmed to five-year terms The U.S. Senate has confirmed two FCC commissioners to five-year terms. Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks were confirmed by voice vote late Saturday, amid a rush by federal legislators to avoid a government shutdown. Carr, a Republican, was confirmed...

FCC—finally—has a full house

Anna Gomez confirmed to fill FCC seat Three years into the Biden administration, the Federal Communications Commission finally has all five seats filled. The U.S. Senate voted on Thursday to confirm telecom law and policy veteran Anna Gomez as an FCC Commissioner. “Congratulations to Anna Gomez...

FCC gives go-ahead for AFC trials at 6 GHz

6 GHz use comes closer to fruition in the US The Federal Communications Commission has given the green light on testing for Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) systems in the 6 GHz band, which the Wireless Innovation Forum (WInnForum) called "a significant and material step towards...

Dish asks for more time to fund purchase of T-Mo’s 800 MHz spectrum

Dish claims to have already spent $1 billion on 800 MHz-ready radios Dish Network has asked for another 10 months to put together enough funding to buy T-Mobile US' 800 MHz spectrum, citing "unprecedented turbulence in the global capital markets" that makes the cost of...