Telecom Alert: 4.9 GHz Order; Privacy MOU; Suspension of 911 Tariff Filing; E-Rate Eligible Services List [Vol. XXI, Issue 44]
FCC Adopts 4.9 GHz Order
The FCC adopted the Eighth Report and Order concerning the 4.9 GHz band, permitting a yet-to-be selected Band Manager to be eligible for a nationwide overlay license. The Band Manager will be authorized to enter sharing agreements with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), which can integrate unused 4.9 GHz band spectrum into its nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN). Additionally, the Band Manager’s primary responsibilities will include providing frequency coordination for incumbent operators and integrating new technologies. For more information, please contact Greg Kunkle (kunkle@khlaw.com; 202.434.4178).
FCC Enters Privacy MOU with State Attorneys General
Ten state attorneys general have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau to cooperate on enforcement actions related to privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity issues. The MOU will enable the FCC to share expertise and resources in support of state investigations, as well as bolster ongoing rulemaking, enforcement, and public awareness efforts through the FCC’s Privacy and Data Protection Task Force. State attorneys general have already stated the partnerships will specifically aid in protecting consumers against multi-state robocalling operations. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239) or Tim Doughty (doughty@khlaw.com; 202.434.4271).
Colorado PUC Suspends CenturyLink’s 911 Tariff Filing
Colorado’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has suspended the tariff filing for CenturyLink for failing to meet the commission’s requirements for emergency service tariffs. Suspension permits interested stakeholders to comment on amendments to the tariff filing. Concerned 911 authorities have already stated that CenturyLink’s pricing for all four of its services (TDMS, GIS routing, Protocol Conversion and Text-to-911) were all unsatisfactory. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239).
FCC Releases E-Rate Eligible Services List
The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau adopted the 2025 final eligible services list for its E-Rate program, which provides universal service support to schools and libraries across the country. The final rule expands eligible services under Category One to include off-premises Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile internet services but declined to add support for cybersecurity services and equipment under Category Two, including requests to add purchases for next-generation firewall services. However, the FCC stated it would consider whether cybersecurity services would be eligible for Universal Service Fund (USF) support under its separate and ongoing Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. For more information, please contact Casey Lide (lide@khlaw.com; 202.434.4186) or Sean Stokes (stokes@khlaw.com; 410.458.1342).
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