Advanced Television

Federal Communications Commission

FCC reaffirms Starlink subsidies decision

The Federal Communications Commission has reaffirmed the Wireline Bureau’s prior decision to reject the long-form application of Starlink to receive public support through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund programme, based on the applicant’s failure to meet the programme requirements. The programme, which uses scarce universal service funding collected from consumers, sought to expand access to […]

December 13, 2023By Colin Mann

FCC to outlaw video service junk fees

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has announced a proposal to eliminate video service junk fee billing practices by cable operators and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service providers and study their impact on consumer choices. The proposal will be voted on during the December 13th Open Meeting. “No one wants to pay junk fees for […]

November 22, 2023By Colin Mann

FCC spectrum boost for space launches

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has shared with her colleagues final rules to ensure spectrum certainty for communications services used during commercial space launches. As private companies have assumed a vital role in the launch and operation of space satellites, scientific exploration, and transportation of astronauts both for public and commercial purposes, they need access to […]

July 31, 2023By Colin Mann

FCC proposes Next Gen TV rule changes

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has introduced a Report and Order in the Next Generation Broadcast Television (ATSC 3.0 or Next Gen TV) docket, making changes to its Next Gen TV rules designed to preserve over-the-air (OTA) television viewers’ access to the widest possible range of programming while also supporting television broadcasters’ transition to […]

June 26, 2023By Colin Mann

FCC proposes all-in pricing rule

US President Joe Biden has given his support for the Federal Communications Commission’s efforts to protect consumers from hidden subscription fees. “My Administration’s top priority is lowering the cost of living for the middle class, and that includes cracking down on companies’ use of junk fees to hide true costs from families, who end up […]

June 21, 2023By Colin Mann

Biden nominates Gomez for FCC

US President Joe Biden has announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as key leaders in his administration: Anna M Gomez, Nominee for Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission Geoffrey Adam Starks, Nominee for Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission Brendan Carr, Nominee for Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission Starks and […]

May 23, 2023By Colin Mann

FCC proposes cable and satellite pricing transparency requirement

US Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has introduced a proposal for new customer service protections that would require cable operators and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) providers to specify the ‘all-in’ price clearly and prominently for video programming service in their promotional materials and on subscribers’ bills. Specifically, cable and DBS providers would be required […]

March 23, 2023By Colin Mann

FCC proposes satellite-to-phone regulatory framework

The US Federal Communications Commission has proposed a new regulatory framework to facilitate innovative collaborations between satellite operators and wireless companies. These partnerships leverage the growth in space-based services to connect smartphone users in remote, unserved, and underserved areas. Numerous such collaborations have launched recently, and the FCC seeks to establish clear and transparent processes […]

March 17, 2023By Colin Mann

Biden FCC commissioner pick Sohn withdraws

Gigi Sohn, US President Jo Biden’s nominee to the Federal Communications Commission, has withdrawn her nomination to the post. The news was revealed by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a press briefing. Sohn blamed “unrelenting, dishonest and cruel attacks” on her character for her withdrawal. “We appreciate Gigi Sohn’s candidacy for this important […]

March 8, 2023By Colin Mann

Amazon’s Kuiper gets FCC approval

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has formally approved Amazon’s Project Kuiper broadband-by-satellite low Earth orbiting system. The FCC said it os happy with Amazon’s mitigation plan in the event of potential collisions while in orbit as well as a mechanism to de-orbit failed or dead satellites. The FCC had previously approved the scheme (in 2020) […]

February 9, 2023By Chris Forrester