[ad_1] The FCC points out that using such tones is prohibited outside of emergencies, adding that it was a serious public safety concern. “These rules aim to protect the integrity of the alert system by helping to avoid confusion when the tones are used, alert fatigue among listeners and false activation of the EAS by […]
Category: fcc
FCC proposes ‘988’ for quick access to national suicide prevention line
[ad_1] Those services are already provided by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, but users must dial a 10-digit number, 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). In 2018, Lifeline counselors answered over 2.2 million calls and 100,000 online chats. But the FCC’s report, which was mandated by the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018, found that a 3-digit number […]
What to do when the robocalls won’t stop
[ad_1] Introduction The FCC defines robocalls as “calls made with an autodialer or that contain a message made with a prerecorded or artificial voice.” By that definition, some robocalls are actually perfectly legal. Think of the automated call from the pharmacy telling you your prescription is ready, or charities asking you to take a survey. […]
FCC chairman Ajit Pai endorses T-Mobile / Sprint merger
[ad_1] Today, I circulated an order that would approve, subject to conditions, the proposed merger of T-Mobile and Sprint. The deal would advance fast #5G across the country, help close #digitaldivide, and put critical mid-band spectrum to use. My full statement: https://t.co/fBKvLnPgmm pic.twitter.com/21r3Us9cUG — Ajit Pai (@AjitPaiFCC) August 14, 2019 He added that, under the […]
Elizabeth Warren reveals $85 billion rural broadband plan
[ad_1] She plans to earmark $85 billion in federal funding to expand broadband networks in rural areas. Currently, the Federal Communications Commission offers $4.6 billion/year to fund rural broadband infrastructure, while the Rural Utilities Service doles out $800 million/year in grants and loans. Under Warren’s plan, the $5 billion funding for expanded broadband on Native […]
FCC bans spoofed text messages and international robocalls
[ad_1] As you may remember, Chairman Ajit Pai proposed the changes earlier this month. In a video announcing their approval, Pai said the FCC has received tens of thousands of complaints about spoofing in just the first six months of this year. The FCC isn’t fighting this fight alone, though. Last week, the House passed […]
FCC hopes to fix its broadband maps with more precise data
[ad_1] On top of this, the FCC is implementing a process to gather public input on the accuracy of internet providers’ maps. This includes a crowdsourcing portal that will take feedback directly from customers as well as local governments. Proposals could also bring in “additional technical standards” for more precise maps as well as the […]
FCC Chairman wants to ban caller ID spoofing for text messages
[ad_1] “We must attack this problem with every tool we have,” Chairman Pai said. “With these new rules, we’ll close the loopholes that hamstring law enforcement when they try to pursue international scammers and scammers using text messaging.” While the Truth in Caller ID Act prohibits spoofing caller ID information, it did not originally extend […]
Dish is close to a $6 billion deal with Sprint and T-Mobile
[ad_1] Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve heard that getting DoJ approval for T-Mobile’s proposed $26 billion purchase of Sprint will require making moves to create a new national wireless carrier as a competitor. That could be achieved by selling off Boost Mobile and enough spectrum to make a service viable, however they needed […]
FCC task force will help connect farms and ranches
[ad_1] This spring the FCC pledged to bring broadband to more than 100,000 rural homes and businesses, and earlier this month, the FCC authorized $166.8 million to expand broadband access in underserved rural regions. It makes sense that the FCC would want to work with farmers and ranchers as it embarks on this rural push, […]