The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) has received eleven (11) petitions asking for emergency relief to help students learn remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the FCC has released a Public Notice seeking comment on the Commission’s ability to extend E-Rate funds to off-campus services and facilities. Specifically, the Commission seeks comment on […]

The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) has revised its rules implementing Section 6409(a) of the Spectrum Act of 2012 so that that state and local governments may not deny certain requests to modify existing wireless structures that do not substantially change the physical dimensions of the structures. This revision creates a 30-foot zone of […]

The United States Congress recently passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (“Appropriations Act”) that allocated $3.2 billion to the Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund Program which establishes the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. By direction of the Appropriations Act, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) has released a Public Notice seeking comment on implementing the Emergency […]

Telecommunications carriers, including interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) providers, are required to establish and maintain systems designed to ensure they protect their subscribers’ Customer Proprietary Network Information (“CPNI”) and must file an annual CPNI compliance certification no later than Monday, March 1, 2021 (for data pertaining to the previous calendar year). If a telecommunications […]

In the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (“Appropriations Act”) Congress appropriated an additional $249.95 million for the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC” or “Commission”) COVID-19 Telehealth Program. The Program was established last year under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act to provide immediate support to health care providers by funding their telehealth and connected […]

As a Citizens Broadband Radio Service (“CBRS”) Priority Access License (“PAL”) applicant, you should have received information last month from the Spectrum Access System administrators on the procedures for assigning PAL channels and expressing your PAL channel preferences. If you have questions on the assignment procedures, which frequencies to choose or related technical issues, please […]

Wireless service providers (including de minimis wireless service providers) must file their annual Hearing Aid Compatibility Certifications with the FCC for the 2020 reporting period by January 15, 2021 (by midnight ET). While it appears the FCC will be extending the HAC Certification deadline this year to February 1st, out of an abundance of caution, […]

Herman & Whiteaker, LLC (“H&W”) is pleased to announce the promotion of Clare Liedquist Andonov as a principal with the firm. Clare’s practice at H&W focuses on wireless and wireline broadband matters, auctions, communications towers compliance and FCC and Capitol Hill advocacy. Prior to joining H&W, Clare represented a nationwide carrier in negotiating real estate […]

The United States Congress has passed a $2.3 trillion spending package, which includes $7 billion for broadband connectivity. Specifically, the bill sets aside $1.9 billion for U.S. carriers to “rip and replace” Huawei and ZTE equipment pursuant to new rules implemented by the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”). $3.2 billion is allocated toward low-income broadband access, […]

The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) has established a $9 billion 5G Fund to bring additional mobile wireless broadband and voice service to rural America. The 5G Fund Report and Order (“Order”) provides for two phases of support, each with ten-year terms. Phase I will make $8 billion available to rural areas that lack […]