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Tag: Jessica Rosenworcel

  • FCC to Boost Cellular/Satellite Communication Adoption

    FCC to Boost Cellular/Satellite Communication Adoption

    T-Mobile and SpaceX’s efforts to join cellular and satellite phone service are getting a bit of help from the FCC.

    The FCC has unveiled “a new regulatory framework to facilitate innovative collaborations between satellite operators and wireless companies.” The framework will help cellular operators better tap into the growing network of satellites being used for internet service.

    T-Mobile and SpaceX announced a deal for the nation’s second-largest carrier to use SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation to help provide coast-to-coast coverage in the US.

    “We’ve always thought differently about what it means to keep customers connected, and that’s why we’re working with the best to deliver coverage above and beyond anything customers have ever seen before,” said Mike Sievert, CEO and president of T-Mobile, said at the time of the announcement. “More than just a groundbreaking alliance, this represents two industry-shaking innovators challenging the old ways of doing things to create something entirely new that will further connect customers and scare competitors.”

    The FCC’s proposed framework would make it easier for T-Mobile, SpaceX, and other companies to integrate their services:

    The FCC proposes allowing authorized non-geostationary orbit satellite operators to apply to access terrestrial spectrum if certain prerequisites are met, including a lease from the terrestrial licensee within a specified geographic area. A satellite operator could then serve a wireless provider’s customers should they need connectivity in remote areas, for example in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert, Lake Michigan, the 100-Mile Wilderness, or the Uinta Mountains.

    “We are fast heading to a world where next-generation wireless networks will connect everyone and everything around us,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “They will open up possibilities for communications that we cannot even fully imagine today. But we will not be successful in our effort to make this always-on connectivity available to everyone, everywhere if we limit ourselves to using only one technology. We are going to need it all—fiber networks, licensed terrestrial wireless systems, next-generation unlicensed technology, and satellite broadband. But if we do this right, these networks will seamlessly interact in a way that is invisible to the user. We won’t need to think about what network, where, and what services are available. Connections will just work everywhere, all the time. “

  • FCC Sends Cease & Desists to More Providers Over Robocalls

    FCC Sends Cease & Desists to More Providers Over Robocalls

    The Federal Communications Commission’s war on robocallers continues, with the agency sending cease & desists to more providers.

    The FCC passed rules requiring phone carriers to implement the STIR/SHAKEN protocol in an effort to fight robocalls. The protocol allows carriers to verify the authenticity of a caller, pass that verification on to the next carrier for confirmation, and so on. Carriers were given a deadline to implement the protocol or be blacklisted, with the first such carrier blocked in November.

    The FCC has now sent cease & desist orders to two additional companies the agency says has been supporting “illegal robocall traffic.” This brings the number of cease & desists to twenty, with the majority complying and cutting off robocall assistance.

    The latest cease & desists, sent to SIPphony LLC and Vultik, Inc, included a warning that their traffic could be permanently blocked by downstream providers if they failed to comply.

    “You should investigate the identified traffic and take the steps …, including blocking the traffic if necessary, and take steps to prevent your network from continuing to be a source of apparently illegal robocalls,” wrote FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan A. Egal. “Failure to comply with the steps outlined in this letter may result in downstream voice service providers blocking all of [SIPphony LLC and Vultik, Inc] traffic, permanently.”

    “Scam robocalls are more than just a nuisance, they waste our time and resources and destroy trust in our communications networks,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “We will continue to use every tool we have to go after this fraud and stop the bad actors responsible for these calls in their tracks.”

  • FCC Takes Aim at ‘Egregious Prison Calling Rates’

    FCC Takes Aim at ‘Egregious Prison Calling Rates’

    The Federal Communications Commission is taking aim at companies that provide calling services for prison inmates.

    There are several companies in the US that provide calling and email services for inmates and their families. Unfortunately, many of these companies charge ‘egregious rates’ that border on predatory behavior.

    Congress recently passed the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 and the bill is now awaiting President Biden’s signature. The bill gives the FCC the authority to address this behavior.

    “Too many families of incarcerated people must pay outrageous rates to stay connected with their loved ones,” said FCC Chairwomen Jessica Rosenworcel. “This harms the families and children of the incarcerated—and it harms all of us because regular contact with kin can reduce recidivism.

    “The FCC has for years moved aggressively to address this terrible problem, but we have been limited in the extent to which we can address rates for calls made within a state’s borders. Today, thanks to the leadership of Senators Duckworth, Portman and their bipartisan coalition, the FCC will be granted the authority to close this glaring, painful, and detrimental loophole in our phones rate rules for incarcerated people.

    “I am committed to working with my colleagues on the Commission to expeditiously move new rules forward to fix this problem. I also want to highlight the late Martha Wright-Reed for her courageous voice and thank my former colleague Mignon Clyburn for carrying this issue forward at the FCC.”

    The bill, and the FCC’s new authority, should provide relief for families of inmates, not to mention send a warning to companies that take advantage of situations to engage in predatory behavior.

  • FCC Bans Additional Equipment Sales From Chinese Firms

    FCC Bans Additional Equipment Sales From Chinese Firms

    The FCC is continuing its crackdown on Chinese telecom firms, banning equipment from Huawei, ZTE, and others.

    The FCC has been cracking down on Chinese firms that are suspected of being a threat to US national security. While all Chinese companies are required to cooperate with Beijing’s surveillance and espionage efforts, some companies are viewed as having closer ties to the Chinese government than others, making them a greater privacy and security threat.

    The FCC has already placed restrictions on Huawei equipment being used in 5G networks, but the agency is now banning a much wider array of telecom and video equipment from Huawei, ZTE, Hytera Communications, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology, and Dahua Technology, along with all their affiliates and subsidiaries.

    “The FCC is committed to protecting our national security by ensuring that untrustworthy communications equipment is not authorized for use within our borders, and we are continuing that work here,” said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “These new rules are an important part of our ongoing actions to protect the American people from national security threats involving telecommunications.”

  • Global UC the First Provider to Be Blocked for Failing to Fight Robocalls

    Global UC the First Provider to Be Blocked for Failing to Fight Robocalls

    Global UC is the first telecom provider to be blocked under the FCC’s new rules requiring providers to block robocalls.

    The FCC has been cracking down on robocalls, requiring providers to implement the STIR/SHAKEN caller ID protocol. The protocol helps providers identify a caller, pass that ID on to the next carrier who then re-verifies it, with the process repeating until the call reaches the recipient. The FCC set a deadline for implementation of the protocol.

    Global UC has become the first provider to miss the FCC’s deadline and fail to provide a valid reason for missing it, resulting in the company being removed from the Robocall Mitigation Database. As a result, other telecom companies can no longer accept or relay calls from Global UC customers.

    “For too long, robocalls have flooded our phones and facilitated fraud. So we are using a new tool to fight against these scam calls. We are cutting providers off and preventing them from accessing our networks when they fail to demonstrate they will protect consumers. This is a novel way to stop robocalls and it’s one we are going to keep using until we get this junk off the line,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.

    “We have reached the point where we are ready to remove companies if they fail to abide by the rules and heed our warnings,” said Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan A. Egal. “While this is a steep and impactful penalty, it underscores the importance we place on complying with our rules, which are designed to eliminate the ability of bad actors to use the U.S. communications networks to harm consumers.”

    The action should send a start warning to other companies about the seriousness of heeding the FCC’s guidelines.

  • FCC Cracks Down on Carriers That Have Failed to Fight Robocalls

    FCC Cracks Down on Carriers That Have Failed to Fight Robocalls

    The FCC is getting serious about fighting robocalls, requiring other carriers to block calls from non-compliant ones.

    The FCC required carriers to implement the STIR/SHAKEN protocol, providing a way for carriers to verify the origin of a call before passing it on to another carrier or to the call recipient. While the top three US carriers fully implemented the protocol some time ago, a number of small carriers have failed to do.

    FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel made clear that the repercussions would be severe:

    “This is a new era. If a provider doesn’t meet its obligations under the law, it now faces expulsion from America’s phone networks. Fines alone aren’t enough. Providers that don’t follow our rules and make it easy to scam consumers will now face swift consequences.”

    The agency has given Akabis, Cloud4, Global UC, Horizon Technology Group, Morse Communications, Sharon Telephone Company, and SW Arkansas Telecommunications and Technology 14 days to explain why they should not be removed from the Robocall Mitigation Database. Any carrier removed from the database will be blacklisted by other carriers, with no other carrier allowed to relay its calls.

    “These and other recent actions reflect the seriousness with which we take providers’ obligations to take concrete and impactful steps to combat robocalls,” said Loyaan A. Egal, acting Chief of the Enforcement Bureau. “STIR/SHAKEN is not optional. And if your network isn’t IP-based so you cannot yet use these standards, we need to see the steps taken to mitigate illegal robocalls. These providers have fallen woefully short and have now put at risk their continued participation in the U.S. communications system. While we’ll review their responses, we will not accept superficial gestures given the gravity of what is at stake.”

  • Privacy Advocates Want Stronger Data Rules For Mobile Providers

    Privacy Advocates Want Stronger Data Rules For Mobile Providers

    Privacy advocates are pushing for stricter rules about how mobile carriers handle users’ wireless data.

    While social media companies are often targeted for their handling of user data, wireless carriers have a treasure trove of information on their customers, including location data, internet usage, call history, texting history, and more. An FCC inquiry regarding the habits of the top 15 carriers in the US showed that data retention practices are “all over the map.”

    That was the assessment of Harold Feld, senior vice president at digital privacy group Public Knowledge, according to The Seattle Times.

    “The only ‘industry standard’ appears to be that there is no standard at all for how long carriers retain data, how they protect it, or how hard they make it for their customers to invoke their rights,” Feld added.

    According to the Times, T-Mobile stores information on its customers, including their location data, for up to two years, while AT&T and its Cricket Wireless business store data for 13 months. Meanwhile, Verizon stores data for one year, and Mint Mobile stores data for 18 months.

    The lack of standardization and accountability, not to mention the stakes involved, prompted strong words from FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel:

    “Our mobile phones know a lot about us. That means carriers know who we are, who we call, and where we are at any given moment,” said Rosenworcel. “This information and geolocation data is really sensitive. It’s a record of where we’ve been and who we are. That’s why the FCC is taking steps to ensure this data is protected.

    “Today, I’m publishing the responses I received from mobile carriers on how they handle geolocation data to help shed light on this issue for consumers. Additionally, I have asked the Enforcement Bureau to launch a new investigation into mobile carriers’ compliance with FCC rules that require carriers to fully disclose to consumers how they are using and sharing geolocation data,” continued Rosenworcel. “Finally, if you, as a consumer, have concerns or complaints about how your provider is handling your private data, the FCC is making it easier for you to file complaints and make your concerns known—so we can take action under the law.”

  • The FCC Finally Has Accurate Broadband Maps

    The FCC Finally Has Accurate Broadband Maps

    The Federal Communications Commission has achieved its first milestone toward collecting accurate data regarding broadband in the US.

    The US Government has been working to close the “digital divide,” or the difference in internet access available in urban and rural communities. In order to tackle the problem, the FCC has been working to develop an accurate map of existing internet coverage in the US.

    According to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, the first milestone toward that goal has finally been reached.

    “On June 30, the Federal Communications Commission opened the first ever window to collect information from broadband providers in every state and territory about precisely where they provide broadband services,” Rosenworcel writes. “I announced the opening of the window with a Note to put this milestone in context and to explain in detail the Commission’s work over the previous 18 months to update and improve our broadband maps. Today marks the close of this first data collection window—the next important step forward in our efforts to build more accurate broadband maps, which are much-needed, long overdue, and mandated by Congress.”

    The first draft of the map will be released around November 2022, after which the agency will continue to improve the accuracy of the maps.

    “Looking ahead, there’s one more important thing to note about the new maps,” Rosenworcel adds. “When the first draft is released, it will provide a far more accurate picture of broadband availability in the United States than our old maps ever did. That’s worth celebrating. But our work will in no way be done. That’s because these maps are iterative. They are designed to updated, refined, and improved over time.”

  • FCC Denies Nearly $1 Billion in Subsidies for Starlink

    FCC Denies Nearly $1 Billion in Subsidies for Starlink

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) dealt a major blow to SpaceX’s Starlink, rejecting its application for nearly $1 billion in subsidies.

    Starlink is the low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet constellation SpaceX has been racing to deploy. The company was seeking subsidies to assist in its expansion, but the FCC has ruled against it.

    FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel acknowledged Starlink’s potential, but questioned the steep price point.

    “Starlink’s technology has real promise,” said Rosenworcel. “But the question before us was whether to publicly subsidize its still developing technology for consumer broadband—which requires that users purchase a $600 dish—with nearly $900 million in universal service funds until 2032.”

    The decision also impacted LTD Broadband, a Las Vegas-based company. The FCC had previously awarded LTD $1,320,920,718, alongside the $885,509,638 to Starlink. In the case of LTD, the company failed to expand aggressively enough to qualify for the funds.

    Interestingly, not all FCC commissioners agree with the decision. Commissioner Brendan Carr issued the following statement regarding the Starlink decision:

    “I am surprised to find out via a press release—while I am on a work trip to remote parts of Alaska—that the FCC has made this significant decision. I will have more to say because we should be making it easier for unserved communities to get service, not rejecting a proven satellite technology that is delivering robust, high-speed service today. To be clear, this is a decision that tells families in states across the country that they should just keep waiting on the wrong side of the digital divide even though we have the technology to improve their lives now.”

  • FCC Targets Auto Warranty Robocall Scams

    FCC Targets Auto Warranty Robocall Scams

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is targeting auto warranty scam calls, ordering carriers to block them.

    Virtually everyone has had the misfortune of receiving a call from someone promising to extend their vehicle’s warranty at an unbelievably low price. The FCC wants to put an end to the annoyance, telling phone companies to stop relaying the calls.

    “We are not going to tolerate robocall scammers or those that help make their scams possible,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Consumers are out of patience and I’m right there with them.”

    The FCC’s statement revealed who was responsible for many of these calls, saying they are “coming from Roy Cox, Jr., Aaron Michael Jones, their Sumco Panama companies, and international associates.” With the perpetrators unmasked, the agency can now work with phone companies to block them.

    “Now that U.S. voice service providers know the individuals and entities associated with this scheme, the Enforcement Bureau will closely monitor voice service providers’ compliance with this order and take appropriate enforcement action as necessary,” said Acting FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Loyaan A. Egal.

    The FCC says auto warranty scams resulted in more complaints than any other type of unwanted calls in the past two years. Hopefully, this new action will help cut down on the menace.

  • FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Wants More Info on Mobile Carrier Data Practices

    FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Wants More Info on Mobile Carrier Data Practices

    FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wants more information from mobile carriers on their data practices.

    While many consumers are beginning to pay attention to the privacy offered by their web browsers, email accounts, and the apps installed on their phones, few think about the risk their wireless carrier poses. Wireless carriers have access to customers’ geolocation data and can link that data to specific users.

    Rosenworcel wants to know exactly how carries are using that data, as well as their safeguards and retention policies.

    “Accordingly, given the highly sensitive nature of this data—especially when location data is combined with other types of data, the ways in which this data is stored and shared with third parties is of utmost importance to consumer safety and privacy,” wrote Rosenworcel to T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert. “I kindly ask that T-Mobile respond to the following questions regarding T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile’s consumer data retention policies for geolocation data and its policies regarding sharing of that data with third parties. Accordingly, given the highly sensitive nature of this data—especially when location data is combined with other types of data, the ways in which this data is stored and shared with third parties is of utmost importance to consumer safety and privacy. I kindly ask that T-Mobile respond to the following questions regarding T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile’s consumer data retention policies for geolocation data and its policies regarding sharing of that data with third parties.”

    Rosenworcel sent similar letters to AT&T, Best Buy Health, Charter, Comcast, Consumer Cellular, C-Spire, Dish Network, Google, H20 Wireless, Lycaobile, Mint Mobile, Red Pocket, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon.

  • Huawei and ZTE Equipment Removal Will Cost Billions More

    Huawei and ZTE Equipment Removal Will Cost Billions More

    FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has informed lawmakers that removing equipment from Huawei and ZTE will cost billions more than anticipated.

    The United States banned Huawei and ZTE networking and telecoms equipment over national security concerns. Both companies were deemed a threat over their ties to the Chinese government. As a result, telecom operators were tasked with removing equipment made by the two companies from their networks. It appears the cost is significantly higher than anticipated.

    According to Reuters, in a letter to Senator Maria Cantwell, head of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Rosenworcel outlined the massive shortfall in the available funding:

    “To fund all reasonable and supported cost estimates…, the Reimbursement Program will require $4.98 billion, reflecting a current shortfall of $3.08 billion,” Rosenworcel wrote.

    Without further funding, the FCC will allocate the original $1.9 billion according to Congress’ instructions.

    “Absent an additional appropriation, the Commission will apply the prioritization scheme Congress specified,” Rosenworcel added.

    The latest estimate appears to be slightly less than what the agency expected in February 2022, when it estimated the total cost to be $5.6 billion.

  • FCC Chairwoman Wants to Significantly Raise US Broadband Minimums

    FCC Chairwoman Wants to Significantly Raise US Broadband Minimums

    FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wants to significantly raise US broadband minimums with gigabit speeds as the long-term goal.

    Rosenworcel circulated a Notice of Inquiry to her colleagues to begin an evaluation of broadband in the US. Rosenworcel is proposing a new standard of 100Mbps download speed and 20Mbps upload.

    “The needs of internet users long ago surpassed the FCC’s 25/3 speed metric, especially during a global health pandemic that moved so much of life online,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “The 25/3 metric isn’t just behind the times, it’s a harmful one because it masks the extent to which low-income neighborhoods and rural communities are being left behind and left offline. That’s why we need to raise the standard for minimum broadband speeds now and while also aiming even higher for the future, because we need to set big goals if we want everyone everywhere to have a fair shot at 21st century success.”

    Under Chairman Tom Wheeler, the agency decided in 2015 that 25Mbps down and 3Mbps up were sufficiently fast, a position that was upheld by Rosenworcel’s predecessor, Ajit Pai.

    The pandemic shown a spotlight on the state of broadband in the US as record numbers of people worked, learned, and worshiped from home. Even with things returning to normal, many experts believe hybrid work is here to stay, further emphasizing the importance of high-speed internet options for home users.

  • Kaspersky Lab Labeled ‘a Threat to National Security’

    Kaspersky Lab Labeled ‘a Threat to National Security’

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has labeled Kaspersky Lab “a threat to national security,” a first for a Russian firm.

    Kaspersky Lab is a popular provider of antivirus software and other cybersecurity software. The company is often on the front lines of identifying and combating viruses, trojans, ransomware, and other malware. The company is also based in Moscow, and therefore subject to Russian law and governance.

    That last point has helped land the company on the FCC’s Covered List, a list of entities “that have been deemed a threat to national security.” Chinese firms China Telecom and China Mobile International USA Inc, were also added at the same time.

    “Last year, for the first time, the FCC published a list of communications equipment and services that pose an unacceptable risk to national security, and we have been working closely with our national security partners to review and update this list,” said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Today’s action is the latest in the FCC’s ongoing efforts, as part of the greater whole-of-government approach, to strengthen America’s communications networks against national security threats, including examining the foreign ownership of telecommunications companies providing service in the United States and revoking the authorization to operate where necessary. Our work in this area continues.”

    The news was met with support from the agency’s other commissioners, including Commissioner Brendan Carr.

    “The FCC’s decision to add these three entities to our Covered List is welcome news,” wrote Carr. The FCC plays a critical role in securing our nation’s communications networks, and keeping our Covered List up to date is an important tool we have at our disposal to do just that. In particular, I am pleased that our national security agencies agreed with my assessment that China Mobile and China Telecom appeared to meet the threshold necessary to add these entities to our list. Their addition, as well as Kaspersky Labs, will help secure our networks from threats posed by Chinese and Russian state backed entities seeking to engage in espionage and otherwise harm America’s interests.

    “I applaud Chairwoman Rosenworcel for working closely with our partners in the Executive Branch on these updates. As we continue our work to secure America’s communications networks, I am confident that we will have more entities to add to our Covered List.”

  • FCC Wants Carriers to Start Working on 6G

    FCC Wants Carriers to Start Working on 6G

    Carriers may just be rolling out 5G in the US, and much of the world, but FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wants them to start working on 6G.

    The 5G rollout in the US has been particularly rocky. Carriers were not unified in their strategy and selection of bandwidth, with only T-Mobile seeming to have a comprehensive strategy from the outset. In time, AT&T and Verizon both adopted a similar approach to T-Mobile, but both carriers ran into issues with the FAA and airline industry when trying to deploy a key portion of their spectrum. The issues even grabbed the attention of Congress, with lawmakers criticizing the agencies and industry for the botched rollout.

    It seems Rosenworcel is eager to avoid such problems in the future, and is asking carriers to start planning for the next generation of wireless technology now, according to Digital Trends.

    “It’s not too early to harmonize these efforts around the world, because that’s how we will ensure that this next generation can reach everyone everywhere,” Rosenworcel said during her MWC keynote in Barcelona.

    “Let’s not forget the lessons we’ve learned with millimeter wave spectrum and 5G,” Rosenworcel continued. “These waves are fragile. And while there’s a lot of this spectrum to deploy, it doesn’t travel very far, and right now deploying it is awfully costly.”

  • FCC Tackles ISP Deals That Block Competition

    FCC Tackles ISP Deals That Block Competition

    The FCC has taken taken action to end ISP deals that block competition in apartments and other Multiple Tenant Environment (MTE).

    The FCC signaled in September that it was investigating whether deals between ISPs and MTE owners were costing tenants by locking them into a single option, rather than giving them competitive choices. Following its investigation, the agency has issued a ruling aimed at stopping the practice.

    The new rules will prevent ISPs from setting up revenue sharing agreements with MTE owners that lock out competitors and give them exclusive access. ISPs will also be required to inform tenants about any exclusive marketing arrangements.

    “One third of this country live in multi-tenant buildings where there often is only one choice for a broadband provider, and no ability to shop for a better deal,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “The rules we adopt today will crack down on practices that prevent competition and effectively block a consumer’s ability to get lower prices or higher quality services.”

  • Ripping Out Huawei and ZTE 5G Hardware Cost Rises to $5.6 Billion

    Ripping Out Huawei and ZTE 5G Hardware Cost Rises to $5.6 Billion

    The US has banned Huawei and ZTE equipment from its 5G networks, but the cost of implementing the ban has now risen to $5.6 billion.

    According to Network World, Congress had initially set aside $1.9 billion to fund the removal of the Chinese firms’ 5G equipment. At the heart of the issue are national security concerns over the two firms’ connection to Beijing. All Chinese companies are required to cooperate with the government, including its espionage efforts. While this may be a concern in any number of industries, it’s especially a concern in an industry that controls communication and data.

    FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has informed Congress the removal of Huawei and ZTE will take at least $5.6 billion, a significant increase over the initial fund.

    “Last year Congress created a first-of-its kind program for the FCC to reimburse service providers for their efforts to increase the security of our nations communications networks,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “We’ve received over 181 applications from carriers who have developed plans to remove and replace equipment in their networks that pose a national security threat. While we have more work to do to review these applications, I look forward to working with Congress to ensure that there is enough funding available for this program to advance Congress’s security goals and ensure that the U.S. will continue to lead the way on 5G security.”

  • FCC Wants to Stop Telemarketers From Leaving Ringless Voicemails

    FCC Wants to Stop Telemarketers From Leaving Ringless Voicemails

    Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has introduced a proposal that would limit telemarketers’ ability to leave ringless voicemails.

    Americans were on the receiving end of some 50,507,702,500 robocalls in 2021 alone, according to the YouMail RoboCall Index. The FCC has been working to cut down on the plague of calls, rolling out a number of efforts over the last couple of years.

    The FCC is now taking aim at ringless voicemails, a practice that involves leaving pre-recorded voice messages — without the phone ringing. It can be an effective way for a spammer to get their message in before a person realizes it’s a spammer and hangs up.

    Just like other robocalls, however, ringless voicemails are a favorite tool of scammers.

    “Ringless voicemail can be annoying, invasive, and can lead to fraud like other robocalls—so it should face the same consumer protection rules,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “No one wants to wade through voicemail spam, or miss important messages because their mailbox is full. This FCC action would continue to empower consumers to choose which parties they give permission to contact them.”

    Rosenworcel’s proposal would place ringless voicemail tech under the same rules that govern robocalling in general, leading to increased protections for the consumer.

  • FCC Votes In Favor of ‘Nutrition Labels’ for Broadband Providers

    FCC Votes In Favor of ‘Nutrition Labels’ for Broadband Providers

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unanimously voted in favor of requiring broadband providers to provide a “nutrition label.”

    The American broadband industry is notorious for hidden fees, equipment rentals, escalating charges, and a slew of other practices that make it virtually impossible for a user to make an informed decision when shopping for internet access. These practices are one of the reasons internet companies often rank among the most-hated in the US.

    The FCC is now taking a significant step toward addressing the problem, requiring broadband companies to provide customers with easy-to-read labels that will facilitate comparison shopping. The inspiration behind the labels is the nutrition labels that are required on food sold in grocery stores.

    “If you walk into any grocery store and pull boxes of cereal from the shelves, you can easily compare calories and carbohydrates,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “That’s because they have a common nutrition label. It’s black and white, simple to read, and easy to understand. It helps consumers make good choices.

    “I think the Federal Communications Commission needs to do the same with broadband. That’s because it is now an essential service—for everyone, everywhere. So we want to make it easier for consumers to compare their options and understand just what they’re signing up for. We want to develop a consistent and straightforward way of providing accurate information about price, speed, data allowances, and other aspects of high-speed service. We want to end efforts to bury facts in the fine print and we want to stop unexpected costs and fees.”

    Not only did the move have unanimous support from the FCC’s commissioners, but it’s sure to be a big hit with consumers.

  • FCC Wants Stricter Data Breach Reporting Requirements

    FCC Wants Stricter Data Breach Reporting Requirements

    FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has proposed new requirements that would strengthen data breach reporting rules.

    Data breaches have become a near-daily occurrence, with customers’ data being stolen, bought, and sold on the dark web. While there are requirements in place for how companies should address data breaches, Rosenworcel wants to see those requirements strengthened in a way that protects consumers even more.

    “Current law already requires telecommunications carriers to protect the privacy and security of sensitive customer information. But these rules need updating to fully reflect the evolving nature of data breaches and the real-time threat they pose to affected consumers,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “Customers deserve to be protected against the increase in frequency, sophistication, and scale of these data leaks, and the consequences that can last years after an exposure of personal information. I look forward to having my colleagues join me in taking a fresh look at our data breach reporting rules to better protect consumers, increase security, and reduce the impact of future breaches.”

    In particular, the new proposal would eliminate the seven day mandatory waiting period before companies can notify customers of a breach, require notification of inadvertent breaches, and require carriers to notify the FCC, the FBI, and the US Secret Service of all reportable breaches.

  • FCC Bans China Telecom from Operating in the US

    FCC Bans China Telecom from Operating in the US

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revoked China Telecom’s authority to operate in the US.

    The FCC is cracking down on another Chinese telecom, revoking China Telecom’s authority over national security concerns. The news comes after the FCC banned three other Chinese carriers in March.

    The FCC is taking action based on a number of factors.

    Based in part on the recommendation of the Executive Branch agencies, the Commission found that China Telecom Americas failed to rebut the serious concerns of the Executive Branch about its continued presence in the United States. In December 2020, the Commission launched a proceeding and established a process that allowed for China Telecom Americas, the Executive Branch agencies, and the public to present any remaining arguments or evidence in the matter.

    China Telecom must cease operations in the US within 60 days of the order.

    To assist U.S. customers with transitioning to other mobile service providers as a result of China Telecom Americas’ discontinued services, the FCC will issue a consumer guide after the Order is released that explains this action and what other options consumers might consider for mobile services. This document will be available in English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese and made available on the Commission’s website. Additionally, the consumer guide will be sent to news outlets to further raise awareness to China Telecom Americas’ customers.

    FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the decision was not taken lightly.

    “This is not a decision we make lightly. It has support from each of my colleagues. It has support across the federal government. In fact, last year a broad group of Executive Branch agencies, including the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative formally recommended that we terminate FCC authorization for China Telecom Americas to provide interstate and international telecommunications services in the United States. At about the same time, the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations issued a report on the threats that Chinese state-owned carriers pose to our telecommunications networks. In doing so, they highlighted a problem—that across the federal government there has not been enough oversight to safeguard our networks against evolving threats after issuance of a license.”