December Pole Attachment Order Goes Into Effect

An FCC notice was published in the Federal Register on July 25, 2024, announcing that the Office of Management and Budget approved, for a period of three years, the information collection associated with the revised pole attachment rules made in the December 2023 fourth report and order. Section 1.1411(c)(4) (timeline for access to utility poles) and Section 1.1415 (dispute resolution procedures, including the process for the new Rapid Broadband Assessment Team (RBAT)) were effective as of July 25, 2024.

Relatedly, the FCC's Enforcement Bureau and Wireline Competition Bureau issued a public notice announcing that parties may begin requesting the assistance of the RBAT to provide coordinated review and assessment of pole attachment disputes that impede or delay broadband deployment. They said the launch of the RBAT, including a new landing page and a dedicated form allowing parties to submit information about their dispute, will further the FCC’s ongoing efforts to promote timely, nationwide broadband deployment.

FCC Launches New Mobile Speed Test App

The FCC launched its new mobile speed test app, which is part of the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection Program. The FCC said the app features an enhanced user interface that makes challenging the accuracy of the provider-reported mobile coverage data easier.

New features include:

• Repeated test functionality that allows users to conduct repeated tests without having to enter and certify information before each individual test
• An in-app map overlay displaying the area where a test was taken
• The ability for users to log in to the National Broadband Map to review their speed test results and see them on a map

Applications Open for $1 Billion Digital Inclusion Grant Program

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced Wednesday the availability of nearly $1 billion to fund programs that ensure communities have access to devices and skills needed to fully participate in the digital world, regardless of their background or circumstances.

This is the first funding opportunity from the Digital Equity Act’s $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program and is part of the “Internet for All” initiative, a key component of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.

Technological Advisory Council to Meet August 29

The FCC issued a public notice announcing that the next meeting of the Technological Advisory Council (TAC) will be held on August 29, 2024.

The TAC will consider and advise the FCC on:

• Looking beyond 5G advanced as 6G begins to develop
• Studying advanced spectrum sharing techniques, including the implementation of AI and machine learning to improve the utilization and administration of spectrum
• Other emerging technologies

Bill Introduced on Supreme Court Ruling on Agency Interpretation

Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and others introduced the Stop Corporate Capture Act This was done in response to the Supreme Court overturning the Chevron deference doctrine, which required federal courts to defer to an expert agency’s reasonable interpretation of ambiguous statutes administered by the agency.

Sen. Booker said the SCCA would:

• Codify Chevron deference
• Modernize and reform the regulatory process under the Administrative Procedure Act
• Empower and expand public participation in the regulatory process
• Increase transparency and protect independent expertise in the regulatory process

Commerce Committee Marks Up Communication Legislation

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, will convene a full committee Executive Session on July 31 at 10 a.m. ET to consider nominations and legislation, including:

• S. 275, Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2023 
• S. 690, Network Equipment Transparency (NET) Act
• S. 2238, PLAN for Broadband Act 
• S. 3312, Artificial Intelligence Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act of 2023
• S. 4178, Future of Artificial Intelligence Innovation Act of 2024

A link to view the hearing live and a listing of all legislation to be considered can be found here.