The Universal Service Administrative Co. (“USAC”) will soon establish a deadline to file applications for funding from the $7.171 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund recently established by Congress and the FCC. These funds can be used to provide broadband Internet access services, Wi-Fi hotspots, and equipment to non-profit schools (elementary and secondary) and libraries to enable … Continue Reading
On November 19, the FCC issued a Report and Order for which the Wi-Fi community can be justly grateful at their Thanksgiving celebrations. For some years the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or the “Commission”) has been concerned that the potential for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the 5.85 – 5.925 band has never panned out. … Continue Reading
We amateur drone pilots are well schooled in the dangers. We don’t fly close to airports, near power lines, or anywhere in the no-drone-zone that stretches across the entirety of the Washington D.C. region (including, sadly, our own CommLawBlog rooftop deck, which would otherwise be a great place to fly). But we don’t worry much … Continue Reading
The FCC voted today to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order looking toward issuing licenses for frequencies above 95 GHz. That’s GigaHertz, not MegaHertz – way up there, beyond the highest frequencies that are commonly used today, at least by the private sector. Historically, frequencies this high were not considered useful for communication … Continue Reading
Bureau reiterates view that using “deauthentication frames” to bounce hotspot users constitutes prohibited “interference”. Conference goers, rejoice! It looks like the FCC really is serious about preventing hotels and other conference venues from blocking access to the venues’ Wi-Fi networks through personal “hotspot” network devices. The Commission’s Enforcement Bureau had staked out its position on … Continue Reading
Some familiar faces from Capitol Hill are taking an alternative approach to trying to get the FCC to open up spectrum for wireless broadband.… Continue Reading
While the FCC is usually in the driver's seat when it comes to spectrum management in the U.S., that doesn't mean that Congress can't, and won't, occasionally engage in some aggressive backseat driving.… Continue Reading
The FCC has issued another of its ever-popular "Enforcement Advisories" warning against the use of jammers to interfere with cellphone, Wi-Fi or GPS devices.… Continue Reading
A number of large-venue operators have asked the FCC to clarify exactly what they may do to protect the security and quality of their own Wi-Fi networks.… Continue Reading
The Enforcement Bureau has struck a blow for those who prefer to use smartphones to set up their own personal mobile hotspots when they're on the go.… Continue Reading
If you've been meaning to file a reply in the 5.8 GHz U-NII proceeding but just haven't gotten around to it yet, you're in luck. The FCC has extended the deadline eight days.… Continue Reading
If you're planning a response to any of the reconsideration petitions in the unlicensed 5.8 GHz proceeding, you may have to rethink your vacation plans.… Continue Reading
With so much of our personal and business communication now dependent on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other 2.4 GHz unlicensed technologies, there could be significant risks in going forward. We commend the FCC for proposing a novel set of solutions.… Continue Reading
The FCC has asked for comments on Globalstar's proposal to expand the Ancillary Terrestrial Component of its MSS operation to provide a low power terrestrial broadband network.… Continue Reading
Touted by advocates as "Wi-Fi on steroids," TV Band Devices can now boot up in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, and North Carolina. The FCC expects to extend authorization nationwide by mid-January.… Continue Reading
When the FCC established rules for TV Band Devices, it required them to avoid interfering with other equipment operating on TV frequencies. The most populous of those, by far, are the wireless microphones that are ubiquitous in TV, stage, and film production.… Continue Reading
