Good afternoon from Washington, DC! Below you will find this week’s Wireless Wrap-Up, your update on the wireless telecommunications regulatory landscape, important wireless decisions, and more! Here is your wrap-up:
- FCC FORM 477
- On 12/16, the FCC published in the Federal Register the Order announcing that it was sunsetting the collection of broadband deployment data through the FCC Form 477 system. The Order is effective December 16, 2022. For more information and to view a copy of the Order, see our post here.
- On 12/19, the FCC released a Public Notice announcing that the Order sunsetting FCC Form 477 is now effective and reminding entities that the Form 477 system will no longer accept new submissions, and that they are required to submit Form 477 voice and telephone subscription data through the BDC system going forward. For more information and to view a copy of the Notice, see our post here.
- SMALL CELL DEPLOYMENTS
- On 12/19, the FCC released an Order adopting a Consent Decree entered into with Verizon to resolve investigations regarding Verizon’s compliance with the Commission’s Rules implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (“NEPA”) and the National Historic Preservation Act (“NHPA”) when deploying small cells. In connection with the Consent Decree, Verizon agreed to pay a civil penalty to the United States Treasury in the amount of $950,000. For more information and to view a copy of the Order, see our post here.
- ROBOCALLS
- On 12/20, the Enforcement Bureau announced that the Private Entity Robocall Portal is now open. Private entities, including small businesses, can utilize the portal to alert the FCC to suspicious robocall, robotext, and spoofing campaigns. For more information and to view the announcement, see our post here.
- BROADBAND CONSUMER LABELS
- On 12/16, the FCC published in the Federal Register the Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“FNPRM”) adopting rules for a new broadband consumer label and seeking comment on further steps the FCC can take to ensure that consumers have the information they need to make informed broadband service purchasing decisions. For more information and to view a copy of the Notice, see our post here.
TLP is wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season. The Weekly Wireless Wrap Up will be on hiatus next week and a will be back in the new year.
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