FCC rejects Starlink’s bid for $886M in subsidies

The FCC has denied Elon Musk's Starlink a hefty $886 million subsidy from the Universal Service Fund, allocated for expanding broadband services in rural areas.

The rejected bid, originally intended for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) program, faced criticism as the FCC deemed Starlink incapable of proving its ability to deliver the promised broadband service.

This decision echoes a similar move by the FCC last year, prompting an appeal from SpaceX, Musk's...

13 December 2023 | Legislation & Government

FCC to investigate AI’s impact on nuisance calls and texts

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel unveiled plans today to launch a comprehensive inquiry into the impact of AI on the proliferation of illegal and unwanted robocalls and texts.

Speaking at an event in collaboration with AARP, Rosenworcel announced her intention to present a proposed inquiry to her colleagues.

If approved at the Commission’s public open meeting on November 15, 2023, the inquiry would mark a pivotal moment in...

24 October 2023 | Legislation & Government

FCC opens 6 GHz band for low-power AR/VR devices

The FCC will allow low-power wearable technology, including AR and VR devices, to access the 6 GHz frequency band without the need for a license. This decision comes amidst a surge in mixed reality devices flooding the market.

The FCC's announcement enables low-power devices to use the 6 GHz band, offering faster speeds, enhanced bandwidth, and lower latency. According to the FCC, this decision will stimulate economic growth and enrich consumer experiences.

Leading tech...

20 October 2023 | Legislation & Government

FCC announces plan to halt SIM-swappers

The FCC has unveiled a set of rules aimed at safeguarding consumers against scams that seek to commandeer their cell phone accounts.

The proposed regulations, designed to protect citizens' freedom to choose their preferred device and provider, require wireless providers to implement secure authentication methods when swapping SIM cards or porting phone numbers to another carrier.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said: “Every consumer has a right to expect that their...

13 July 2023 | Legislation & Government

FCC to ‘consider something different’ for 42 GHz band

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel says the agency will take a different approach than usual for regulating the 42 GHz band.

Traditionally, the FCC has relied on auctions to allocate spectrum licenses. However, Rosenworcel expressed her belief that the agency had overinvested in millimetre wave (mmWave) auctions while neglecting mid-band spectrum.

In recent years, the FCC has made efforts to address this by launching auctions in the 3.45 GHz and 2.5 GHz...

9 June 2023 | 5G

FCC establishes space bureau to meet growing demands

The FCC has voted to establish a space bureau that will support the flourishing industry.

Increasing private, public, and mixed ventures are leading to what some consider to be a new space race.

SpaceX is undisputably among the leaders driving this space renaissance. The company has launched over 3,000 satellites since 2019 and built impressive vehicles to lower space transportation costs.

This year, Amazon is set to launch its ‘Project Kuiper’ low Earth...

10 January 2023 | Hot Topics

FCC authorises nearly $800M from RDOF to Nextlink, Starry and others

The FCC has announced the approval of nearly $800 million from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) that will go to providers including Nextlink and Starry.

Fixed wireless access (FWA) providers are the main beneficiaries of the RDOF fund as the FCC bets on their ability to achieve rural broadband availability targets.

"We are excited to partner with the FCC to deploy gigabit connectivity to households across rural America," said Nextlink CEO Bill Baker in a...

1 September 2022 | 5G

FCC rejects Starlink’s bid for RDOF cash

The FCC has rejected Starlink’s bid for a share of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).

“After careful legal, technical, and policy review, we are rejecting these applications.  Consumers deserve reliable and affordable high-speed broadband,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel.

“We must put scarce universal service dollars to their best possible use as we move into a digital future that demands ever more powerful and faster networks.  We cannot afford to...

11 August 2022 | Broadband

FCC grants SpaceX clearance to provide moving vehicle connectivity

The FCC has granted SpaceX provisional clearance to provide its Starlink satellite connectivity to moving vehicles.

Starlink has been delivering impressive broadband speeds to static ground terminals for some time, including in Ukraine.

SpaceX hasn’t been officially authorised to provide connectivity to vehicles while they’re moving. However, that’s not stopped some people:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PDVURcvWeg

SpaceX hasn’t been shy about...

1 July 2022 | Networks

FCC: China Mobile, China Telecom, and Kaspersky ‘pose a threat to national security’

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has deemed China Mobile, China Telecom, and cybersecurity firm Kaspersky “a threat to national security”.

All three entities have been added to the FCC’s list of communications equipment and services that have been deemed a threat to national security.

Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the FCC, said:

“Last year, for the first time, the FCC published a list of communications equipment and services that pose an...

28 March 2022 | Legislation & Government