News
Industry News
December 2023
UPDATED December4, 2023
The Nevada Telecommunications Association
Serving the Industry for over 66 years.
Federal lands bill aims to extend broadband reach
A pair of House members introduced bipartisan legislation that would expand access to broadband services on public lands and waters. The measure, from House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., and Ranking Member Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., is part of a federal lands improvement bill.
Full Story: The Hill (11/29)
Magid: "Strategic churn" helps streamers grow
Churn from high-income subscribers may benefit streaming providers, a Magid report suggests. The study shows that "hypers" return and drive buzz when attractive new content becomes available.
Full Story: Next TV/Broadcasting+Cable (11/29)
Telehealth use remains higher than pre-pandemic levels
Use of telehealth continues to be higher than before the start of the pandemic despite a dip in virtual visits since their peak early on in the pandemic, according to an Epic Systems analysis. Between the second quarter of 2019 and Q3 of 2023, telehealth comprised 36.8% of mental health visits.
Full Story: Politico (11/29)
Lawmakers push to renew rural broadband grant program
Lawmakers in the House and Senate have introduced legislation to renew funding for the Community Connect grant program to support broadband projects in rural areas. The measure from Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., and Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., would extend the program for five years.
Full Story: Albuquerque Journal (N.M.) (tiered subscription model) (11/28)
KEY UPCOMING DATES
NTA Announcements
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NOTE: Our address has changed! Our new address is:
Nevada Telecommunications Association
PO Box 93006
Henderson, NV 89009
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The NTA has a new LOGO!
Quick Bites from RegScan
November 27, 2023
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The FCC issued a tentative agenda for its Dec. 13, 2023 open meeting and will consider eight items including a report and order, declaratory ruling and FNPRM on pole attachments and a report and order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Rural Health Care Program.
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Reply comments were filed on the Enhanced A-CAM notice of inquiry.
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Oppositions to petitions for reconsideration and/or clarification of the Enhanced A-CAM report and order are due Dec. 12, 2022. Replies are due Dec. 22, 2023.
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The FCC released the report and order and FNPRM on preventing and eliminating digital discrimination adopted at the Nov. 15, 2023 open meeting.
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Reply comments were filed on the FNPRM on implementation of the 5G Fund for Rural America in light of new and precise mobile coverage data gathered through the Broadband Data Collection.
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The House Communications and Technology Subcommittee will hold a hearing on Nov. 30, 2023, on oversight of the FCC, with a focus on broadband.
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Oral argument will be held on Jan. 26, 2024, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Consumers’ Research, et al.’s petition for review of the second quarter 2023 USF contribution factor.
Dec. 14 – Comments are due on the NPRM to reclassify broadband under Title II. Replies are due Jan. 17, 2024.
The FCC eyes rules for settling pole attachment disputes
The FCC will introduce new rules in December to resolve pole attachment disputes more quickly to speed broadband deployments. The agency will seek "to make the "pole attachment process faster, more transparent and more cost-effective," FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel says.
Full Story: Cord Cutters News (11/27)
FCC proposes expanding E-rate for school Wi-Fi
The FCC is seeking comment on a proposed rule to extend E-rate funds for Wi-Fi hot spots and off-site internet services in schools and libraries. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel cited the success of the $7.2 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund which is scheduled to expire in June 2024.
Full Story: K-12 Dive (11/13)
DOD sees 5G as key to future communications systems
Department of Defense communications posture will rely on 5G and other future networks, says the department's Thomas Rondeau. Rondeau added that privacy- and security-enhancing technologies play key roles in the transformation.
Full Story: Federal News Network/WFED-AM (Washington, D.C.) (11/9)