On October 12, 2023, the FCC released the Agenda for the October Open Commission Meeting, scheduled for October 19, 2023 at 10:30 AM. The meeting can be viewed in person at the Commission’s headquarters or online at www.fcc.gov/live or on the FCC’s YouTube channel. The following items are scheduled for Commission consideration:
- Open Internet NPRM (WC Docket No. 23-320) – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes to reestablish the Commission’s authority over broadband Internet access service by classifying it as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act, which would allow the Commission to protect consumers by issuing straightforward, clear rules to prevent Internet service providers from engaging in practices harmful to consumers, competition, and public safety; establish a uniform, national regulatory approach rather than disparate requirements that vary state-by-state; strengthen the Commission’s ability to secure communications networks and critical infrastructure against national security threats; and enable the Commission to protect public safety during natural disasters and other emergencies. (FACT SHEET)
- School Bus Wi-Fi Declaratory Ruling (WC Docket No. 13-184) – The Commission will consider a Declaratory Ruling that would clarify that the use of Wi-Fi on school buses is an educational purpose and the provision of such service is therefore eligible for E-Rate funding. (FACT SHEET)
- Broadband Connectivity and Maternal Health: Updating the Mapping Platform (GN Docket No. 23-309) – The Commission will consider a Notice of Inquiry that will seek comment on its proposed plan to improve and enhance maternal health data in the Mapping Broadband Health in America platform, in order to ensure that future updates to the platform reflect input from stakeholders and other interested parties and improves the user experience. The platform was updated in June 2023 to incorporate publicly available data on maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity pursuant to the Data Mapping to Save Moms’ Lives Act. (FACT SHEET)
- Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band (ET Docket No. 18-295; GN Docket No. 17-183) – The Commission will consider a Second Report and Order that would expand unlicensed use of the 6 GHz band by permitting very low power devices to operate in two sub-bands, a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would propose to expand very low power device operations to the remainder of the band, and a Memorandum Opinion and Order that would address a remand from a court challenge of a previous decision in the docket. (FACT SHEET)
- Support for Alaska Connectivity (WC Docket Nos. 10-90, 16- 271, WT Docket No. 10-208) – The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on the use of high-cost program funding to continue supporting fixed and mobile services in Alaska. The accompanying Report and Order makes administrative changes to streamline high-cost program rules. (FACT SHEET)
- Improving Wireless Emergency Alerts (PS Docket Nos. 15-91, 15-94) – The Commission will consider a Report and Order that would improve Wireless Emergency Alerts by making WEA messages available in additional languages, including American Sign Language (ASL); supporting maps that show the location of an emergency; making it easier to conduct public-facing WEA performance and public awareness tests; and providing alert originators and members of the public with access to information about where and how WEA is available within their communities. (FACT SHEET)
- Accessible Video Programming (MB Docket No. 11-43) – The Commission will consider a Second Report and Order that will enhance support for individuals who are blind or visually impaired by expanding audio description requirements to additional market areas. The Order would help ensure that a greater number of individuals who are blind or visually impaired can be connected, informed, and entertained by television programming. (FACT SHEET)
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