FCC Chairman Unveils Build America Agenda to Enhance Telecom Infrastructure

The Facts -

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, serves as a significant landmark for the telecommunications industry, where many have witnessed firsthand the dedication of America's tower technicians. From the initial experiences balancing on towers to leading the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), there is a continuous effort to ease the challenges faced by telecom workers and drive forward connectivity across the nation.

The FCC Chairman is spearheading an ambitious drive known as the Build America Agenda, aimed at smoothing the path for construction crews and finishing the task of linking communities. Details of this initiative were recently presented in a speech in South Dakota, emphasizing the urgency of progressing with this agenda. The full vision can be explored here.

Initiatives under the Build America Agenda are set to kick off immediately, beginning with the FCC's upcoming meeting. These plans will incorporate various infrastructure measures and strategies to boost economic growth and opportunities.

Key Measures to Propel Infrastructure Development

The first step involves soliciting feedback on proposals to expedite the transition from outdated copper networks to advanced infrastructures. This would allow providers to deploy modern networks more efficiently, without the constraints of maintaining old copper lines or navigating cumbersome regulatory hurdles. This initiative builds on actions taken in March, details of which can be found here.

Another significant vote on the agenda is aimed at facilitating rural broadband network construction. By updating pole attachment regulations, the FCC seeks to eliminate deployment barriers, foster investment, and ensure high-speed broadband for all, in line with Section 224. Establishing clearer rules and timelines for broadband deployment orders is expected to reduce delays and disputes, promoting collaboration between communication companies and utility providers.

Additionally, the agenda emphasizes the importance of airwave management for community connectivity. As an auction of the AWS-3 spectrum approaches, the FCC will update its competitive bidding rules for licensing in this band.

Streamlining regulations is another priority. As part of In re: Delete, Delete, Delete, the FCC plans to simplify the process for removing outdated regulations. The initial phase involves eliminating 18 obsolete rule sections, including those related to telegraph, outdated broadcast technology, and telephone booths.

Furthermore, the FCC will reassess the slamming and truth-in-billing regulations. Initially designed to protect consumers from unauthorized service provider changes and ensure transparency in billing, these rules are now considered outdated due to technological advancements. The FCC aims to revise these regulations to foster innovation while maintaining consumer protection.

In a visit to Sioux Falls, the Chairman engaged with a 988 hotline center, gathering insights for program reforms that could enhance support for Americans in crisis. Building on prior efforts, the FCC will vote to mandate the geo-routing of texts to 988, ensuring individuals in distress connect with local helpline centers for immediate assistance.

The upcoming July meeting promises a full agenda, with aims broader than just the snacks on a flight back to Washington, D.C. The FCC is committed to rapidly advancing the Build America Agenda and delivering substantial outcomes for the American populace.

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