Welcome to the Tech & Telecom Weekly, an e-newsletter keeping you apprised of the latest developments in the telecommunications and high-tech industries.

FCC Policy

The Federal Communications Commission’s Reassigned Numbers Database goes live today. Businesses may use the RND to check whether the numbers they intend to call have been disconnected, which is important when placing a call or text message to a number for which consent was previously obtained, because that consent does not convey if the number is reassigned. Use of the RND is voluntary. However, to encourage use, the FCC by regulation has established a safe harbor for businesses that check the numbers that they are calling against the most recent version of the RND before placing calls. Callers can register to use the RND here. Paid subscriptions are available as of today, and there are six pricing tiers which vary by the number of monthly queries a business would make. For more information, please contact William Baker.

The FCC has issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to update the rules governing the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Do-Not-Call Registry, which was established in 2012. Specifically, the Commission is concerned that that the registry’s current design does not adequately protect PSAPs from robocalls. Proposed rules include establishing enhanced security protocols for those seeking access to registered PSAP telephone numbers and requiring voice service providers to block autodialed calls to those numbers. Comments are due December 1, 2021, with reply comments due December 16, 2021. For more information, please contact Katherine Barker Marshall.

Compliance Alerts

The application window for advanced communications providers seeking reimbursement under the Secured and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program for costs associated with removing, disposing, and replacing equipment provided by Huawei and ZTE is now open. Providers serving 10 million or fewer customers are eligible to participate in the program. The FCC has established a portal to accept the applications through January 14, 2022.

Today, November 1, at 2:00pm ET, the FCC will hold a webinar on the Reassigned Numbers Database. The webinar will include an overview of the database and a demonstration of how to submit queries. No prior registration is required to attend. The event will be streamed at https://www.fcc.gov/live. 
 
For more information on compliance issues, please contact Katherine Barker Marshall.

Tribal Nations

The FCC has granted 20 additional licenses in the 2.5 GHz band for serving Native communities in Alaska. Each license grants exclusive use of up to 117.5 MHz for wireless broadband and advanced services. The applications were among the 292 received during the Rural Tribal Priority Window, which for Alaska has resulted in the granting of 99 licenses thus far. The FCC continues to review and process applications filed during the Window.
 
The FCC Broadband Data Task Force, along with the Office of Economics and Analysis and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy, will hold an online workshop December 8, 2021, at 2:00pm ET to assist Tribal entities with submissions to the Broadband Data Collection Program. The workshop will include a Q&A session. To register, send an e-mail to TribalBroadbandDataWorkshop@fcc.gov, stating name, contact information, and Tribal affiliation. 
 
For more information, please contact Stephanie Joyce.

Note: This publication is distributed with the understanding that the author, publisher and distributor of this publication and/or any linked publication are not rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice or opinions on specific facts or matters and, accordingly, assume no liability whatsoever in connection with its use. Pursuant to applicable rules of professional conduct, portions of this publication may constitute Attorney Advertising.

Media Contact

Holland Goodrow

Marketing Communications Manager
hgoodrow@potomaclaw.com

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