The FCC has released the following tentative agenda for the January Open Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, January 28, 2016 at 10:30 am:
- Expansion of Online Public File: The Commission will consider a Report and Order which modernizes the public inspection file rules by requiring cable and satellite TV operators and broadcast and satellite radio companies to post public inspection files on the FCC’s online database.
- Improving the Nation’s Public Alert and Warning Systems: The Commission will consider an NPRM to strengthen the Emergency Alert System by promoting participation on the state and local levels, supporting greater testing and awareness of EAS, leveraging technological advances, and bolstering EAS security.
- Broadband Progress Report: The Commission will consider the 2016 Broadband Progress Report examining whether advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion, pursuant to Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
In connection with the upcoming meeting, the Chairman has also released a Fact Sheet and Blog Post concerning the Broadband Progress Report, which concludes that advanced telecommunications capability is not being deployed in a reasonable and timely fashion to all Americans as 34 million Americans still lack access to fixed broadband. The Fact Sheet outlines the key findings in the Report, and most notably, recognizes that “the increasingly dynamic nature of residential and business communications requires both fixed and mobile broadband access,” however, “given the current record, the FCC does not yet set a mobile speed benchmark, so deployment of mobile broadband is not reflected in the current assessment.” The Chairman expresses hope that this report will “catalyze a discussion on how we can do better.”
Please contact us if you have any questions.