Jeffrey Mitchell

Photo of Jeffrey Mitchell Jeff Mitchell has been practicing telecommunications law since 1999 with a practice that now specializes in federal and state broadband policies and regulatory compliance. Jeff has successfully represented numerous statewide broadband healthcare networks that obtained federal funding through the Department of Commerce and the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Rural Health Care Program. Jeff has represented program participants in audits and recent FCC enforcement actions in the Rural Health Care program and advises numerous program participants regarding program compliance. Jeff advocates for a regional network trade association on federal broadband policy and has assisted the Schools Health Libraries & Broadband (SHLB) Coalition to influence FCC efforts to reform the Rural Health Care and E-rate programs.

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Selected New Developments in Broadband – Through March 30

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in Internet, Telecommunications, Wireless
Capitol Hill President Biden on March 11, 2021 signed a further Coronavirus emergency spending package into law – the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act ($1.9 trillion). A very high-level summary of the major spending components of the legislation can be found here (courtesy of CTC Technology & Energy) – but the notable highlights include a … Continue Reading

Selected New Developments in Broadband – January

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in FCC, Internet, Satellite, Telecommunications, Wireless
Capitol Hill Although President Trump criticized the final $900 billion COVID-relief legislative package (containing both COVID-relief and an omnibus spending bill that averted a government shutdown) for providing too little financial relief to Americans and too much wasteful spending, on December 27 he signed the package into law.… Continue Reading

Selected New Developments in Broadband – December

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in FCC, Internet, Satellite, Telecommunications, Unlicensed Operations and Emerging Technologies
Capitol Hill What will happen in broadband under a Biden Administration is at the top of everyone’s agenda. While we expect a large infrastructure/stimulus package (to include broadband) in the first 100 days, precise details are yet to emerge. Turning to the lame duck session, emergency broadband funding as part of COVID relief and/or the … Continue Reading

Selected New Developments in Broadband – November

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in Cellular, FCC, Internet, Telecommunications, Wireless
Capitol Hill On November 4, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell indicated he is willing to resume negotiations on COVID-19 relief legislation before the end of the year (he had previously indicated no legislation is possible before the end of the year). Whether this would be standalone legislation or part of a necessary government funding package … Continue Reading

Assessing the Benefits of the $100 Million Connected Care Pilot Program

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in FCC, Telecommunications, Wireless
The Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC” or “Commission”) Wireline Bureau on September 3, 2020, released a Public Notice providing additional information regarding the upcoming $100 million Connected Care Pilot Program. You will recall that the Commission launched the pilot in April – joining it together in the same order approving the COVID-19 Telehealth Program (FCC 20-44). … Continue Reading

Selected New Developments in Broadband

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in FCC, Telecommunications
Capitol Hill Negotiations on a second large COVID-19 relief legislation effectively broke down August 7. While the President responded with several stop-gap executive actions, both parties seem to recognize relief legislation is urgently needed and there is speculation that some kind of deal will be cut by mid-September. In the meantime, with the Senate technically … Continue Reading

Getting to the Bottom of the Recent Rural Health Care Funding Announcement

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in FCC, Telecommunications
Last month the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) ordered the carry-forward of $198 million in Rural Health Care (RHC) funding for use in 2020.  Seems like good news, but it depends on how you look at it.  But note this action simply makes the funding available — it does not waive or increase the RHC caps for 2020. … Continue Reading

Selected New Developments in Broadband – through June 16

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in FCC, Satellite, Telecommunications, Unlicensed Operations and Emerging Technologies
Selected New Developments in Broadband – through June 16 Capitol Hill The Trump Administration has again voiced support for a $2 trillion stimulus and infrastructure package (that would presumably have a broadband component), but Senate Republicans are not there yet. In May, the House passed the Democrats’ multi-trillion dollar Heroes Act on a party-line vote. … Continue Reading

FCC Examining Applications for COVID-19 Telehealth and Connected Care Programs

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in FCC, Telecommunications
Over the last month, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or the “Commission”) has taken a flurry of COVID-19 pandemic-related actions aimed at increasing access to telehealth and making it easier for carriers to voluntarily assist K‑12 schools, libraries, and health care providers as they respond to COVID-19.  Most dramatically, the Commission voted on April 2, … Continue Reading

FCC Takes Initial Steps to Expand Broadband Capabilities to Combat COVID-19

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in FCC, Telecommunications
In response to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has secured pledges from a growing list of major and minor broadband players to loosen billing rules and provide free access to existing public Wi-Fi hotspots. Some carriers are also waiving data caps. With increased reliance on telework as offices send workers home, online … Continue Reading

Clarifying Statements from “Unfinished Business in the RHC Program” Webinar

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in Telecommunications
While press coverage is always welcome, and while most trade reporters are thorough and careful in their reporting, occasionally one must address a situation where a reporter has wildly misunderstood what was said.  That is the case with the Broadband Breakfast article concerning my remarks during an open webinar put on by the Schools, Health … Continue Reading

Selected New Developments in Broadband – November

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in FCC, Telecommunications
Capitol Hill As the year’s legislative calendar winds down, a large new infrastructure spending program with dedicated funding for broadband appears dead. Attention is on smaller pieces of bi-partisan legislation addressing unwanted robocalls, narrowly targeted funding for “digital dead zones,” and mapping. Targeted infrastructure funding is partly addressed by a Senate appropriations bill that devotes … Continue Reading

New Developments in Broadband – October

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in FCC, Telecommunications
Capitol Hill As the year’s legislative calendar winds down, a large new infrastructure spending program with dedicated funding for broadband appears dead.  Attention now is on smaller but important pieces of bi-partisan broadband legislation such as the Secure and Trusted Communications Act, introduced in the House of Representatives on September 24.  The bill would prohibit … Continue Reading

New Developments in Broadband – September

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in FCC, Telecommunications
Capitol Hill House Democrats’ “Leading Infrastructure for Tomorrow’s America Act” (LIFT America Act) –containing $40 billion dedicated for broadband, largely through reverse auctions – remains pending.  While prospects for significant federal spending on a new broadband program remain in limbo, Congress has allocated further funding to the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) ReConnect funding … Continue Reading

New Developments in Broadband – June

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in FCC, Telecommunications, Wireless
Capitol Hill We continue to expect that House Democrats will pass their “Leading Infrastructure for Tomorrow’s America Act” (LIFT America Act) infrastructure proposal, however, any deal with President Trump on infrastructure remains on hold.  The House bill includes $45 billion in broadband funding – $30 billion in reverse auction funds to be administered by the … Continue Reading

New Developments in Broadband – May

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in FCC, Telecommunications
Broadband on Capitol Hill House Democrats have unveiled their $2 trillion dollar infrastructure package called the “Leading Infrastructure for Tomorrow’s America Act” (LIFT America Act).  A House hearing was held May 22 with testimony from, among others, former FCC Commissioner Clyburn.  The legislation includes $45 billion in broadband funding: $30 billion in reverse auction funds to … Continue Reading

New Developments in Broadband – April

By Jeffrey Mitchell on Posted in FCC, Telecommunications
Broadband on Capitol Hill Although optimism for a broadband infrastructure spending bill this year is fading, it is still a possibility.  Senate Minority Leader Schumer (D-NY) and House Speaker Pelosi (D‑CA) plan met with President Trump today  to discuss infrastructure legislation.  Schumer recently said that an overall infrastructure plan (including broadband and traditional infrastructure such … Continue Reading
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