June 24, 2022

DOL’s Communication Tower Safety Rule Remains in “Proposed Rule” Stage

While a part of OSHA’s Spring 2022 Regulatory Agenda, the Communication Tower Safety Rule has not moved beyond the “Proposed Rule” stage. NATE has voiced opposition to DOL- OSHA moving forward with this rule as there are already established communication tower safety standards that are widely referenced and utilized by companies in the industry to enhance worker safety and health. More information on the Communication Tower Safety Rule can be found here.

Biden Administration Announces Talent Pipeline Challenge for Broadband Industry

Last week, the Administration announced the Talent Pipeline Challenge, which serves as a national call to action for employers, training providers, unions, and other stakeholders to take action to strengthen the talent pipeline in the broadband, construction, and electrification sectors, focusing on inclusivity and ensuring jobs are high-paying and high-quality. The Challenge encourages state and local governments to utilize funding made available in the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support workforce development in these critical industries. Workforce development remains one of NATE’s top priorities, and we are actively looking for ways to be involved in these discussions. You can read a full summary of the Challenge from our federal lobbying firm, GuidePost Strategies, here.

House’s Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Bill Provides NTIA with over $60 million in FY 2023 Funding

On Tuesday, June 21, House Democrats released their fiscal year 2023 spending bill, which provides for Department of Commerce funding. Within the appropriations provisions for the Department, $62 million will remain available for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The NTIA is critical to the effective and efficient deployment of broadband funds across the nation, a top policy priority for NATE. The bill, which the subcommittee approved on Wednesday, June 22, can be found here.

House’s Ag-FDA Appropriations Report Reflects Commitment to Rural Broadband Expansion

On Wednesday, June 22, House appropriators released their FY 2023 committee report on the spending bill that will fund the Agriculture Department. Specifically, in the report the committee:

· Provides approximately $8 billion for the Rural Electrification and
  Telecommunications Loans Program Account.

· Appropriates $2 million for a loan authorization level of over $14 million for
  the Broadband Program.

· Adds $450 million in funding to the USDA’s ReConnect program.

The bill, which expands upon the shared congressional and NATE commitment to expanded broadband access, was passed out of the Appropriation Committee on Thursday, June 23, by a 31-26 vote. The bill may be found here. 

Sohn Nomination Remains on Hold

Yesterday, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) told the press that Democratic leadership has decided not to pursue a vote to discharge the nomination of Gigi Sohn from the Senate Commerce Committee, where her nomination to serve as the fifth and final Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner has languished since early this year. There was some discussions that due to a Republican absence--Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) is currently absent from the Senate due to a serious hand injury he sustained at home—and with all 50 Democratic members in town, that a discharge vote, setting her nomination up for final confirmation, would be possible. In March, the Senate Commerce Committee deadlocked on Sohn’s nomination, 14-14. While her nomination is on hold, the FCC stands at four members, two Republican and two Democratic. Sohn’s February confirmation hearing may be found here.

FAA and Telecom Industry Reach New 5G Agreement

On Friday, June 17, the FAA, and the telecom industry reached an agreement on an approach to upgrade aircraft altimeters and avoid signal interference while allowing 5G signals to be boosted around airports. This approach establishes a path forward over the course of the next year, effectively replacing the July 5 negotiated deadline for such an agreement. The FAA’s statement on the agreement can be found here.

Kentucky’s Gov. Andy Beshear Announces State Expansion of Broadband Funding

On Monday, June 20, Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky announced an award of over $89 million in 46 grants to 12 internet service providers and local governments across 35 state counties, which will be used to bring high-speed internet to some of Kentucky’s most un-served areas. More information on the grant recipients can be found here.