The Commission has released a Public Notice announcing the formation of a new federal advisory committee, the Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee (“BDAC” or “Committee”), which will provide advice and recommendations to the Commission on how to accelerate the deployment of high-speed Internet access. The Commission seeks nominations for membership on and a Chairperson to the Committee. The Commission intends to establish the BDAC for a period of two years, with an expected starting date during the spring of 2017.
Issues to be considered by the Committee may include drafting for the Commission’s consideration a model code covering local franchising, zoning, permitting, and rights-of-way regulations; recommending further reforms of the Commission’s pole attachment rules; identifying unreasonable regulatory barriers to broadband deployment; and recommending further reform within the scope of the Commission’s authority.
Nominations for membership to the BDAC should be submitted to the FCC no later than February 15, 2017. The Notice outlines who may apply for membership, obligations of members and committee meetings, and application procedures.
Please contact us if you have any questions.