June 17, 2022

House Communications and Technology Subcommittee Hosts Markup Session on NATE-Endorsed Legislation 

The Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held an open markup session on Wednesday, June 15. Among the legislation that the subcommittee moved forward were the following NATE-endorsed, bi-partisan bills related to increasing access to spectrum resources:

H.R.7624, “Spectrum Innovation Act of 2022,” introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Bob Latta (R-OH). The legislation would ensure mid-band spectrum is made available for wireless broadband use for the public, which means faster speeds and more responsive networks for consumers. In addition to allowing up to 200 megahertz of spectrum to be auctioned for mobile broadband, this bill would help usher in new, innovative, and flexible spectrum uses. 

H.R. 7783, “Extending America’s Spectrum Auction Leadership Act of 2022,” introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Davids (D-KS), Joyce (R-PA), Welch (D-VT) and Johnson (R-OH). The legislation amends the Communications Act of 1934 to extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission to grant a license or construction permit through a system of competitive bidding, and for other purposes.

Spectrum policy continues to be a hot policy topic and NATE is supportive of any congressional legislation that serves to open additional spectrum to the industry, as more access to spectrum equates to more deployment opportunities for our members companies. 

Find a comprehensive summary of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Markup Session from NATE’s Government Relations Lobbying Firm Guidepost Strategies. You can watch a replay of the markup down below.

ICYMI: U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee Conducts Important NTIA Oversight Hearing

On Thursday, June 9, the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, convened a hearing titled “Oversight of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration”. This hearing will examine the activities of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), including the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and its role in federal spectrum management.

NATE followed the hearing closely and was pleased to see that several U.S. Senators emphasized the importance that the IIJA’s over $42 Billion BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment) program funding remain “technology neutral” so that companies who provide wireless and fixed wireless deployment services be eligible to receive this grant money from their respective states.

Find a comprehensive summary of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee’s NTIA Oversight Hearing from NATE’s Government Relations Lobbying firm Guidepost Strategies at the link below. To watch a replay of the hearing click HERE.    

NATE Participates in Ohio’s Broadband and 5G Sector Partnership Launch Meeting

On Thursday, June 9, NATE Board of Directors Member Jessica Cobb represented the Association at the Ohio Broadband & 5G Sector Partnership Launch Meeting in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio State University President Kristina Johnson delivered opening remarks at the event.
 
NATE is one of 26 entities that will be providing advice and recommendations to support and implement Ohio State University’s 3 million Broadband and 5G workforce grant program. WIA is serving as the industry intermediary for this collaborative workforce initiative.
 
To view a NATE Instagram photo from the meeting, visit HERE. Thank you, Jessica, for representing NATE at this meeting in the Buckeye State!

Petrilla Meets with Key Stakeholders from Rwanda and Zimbabwe Governments at World Telecommunication Development Conference

NATE Wireless Industry Network Pacific Region Ambassador Jesse Petrilla recently returned home to California after representing the Association at the World Telecommunication Development Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. 

Among the highlights of Petrilla’s trip was visiting with Paula Ingabire, Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation for Rwanda and hosting a meeting with the delegation from Zimbabwe at the event. To view Instagram photos from Petrilla’s meetings at the conference, click HERE and HERE.

OSHA’s National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health to Meet on June 30
 
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration will hold an online meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Safety and Health on June 30, 2022, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT.
 
The committee meeting is open to the public and will include an agency update and a report from the NACOSH Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Work Group.
 
NATE member companies are encouraged to join the meeting by clicking on this Register Here link (please note - upon visiting the link, use the access code 2762 455 5864 and password Welcome!24).

FCC Holds Open Commission Meeting

On Wednesday, June 8, the FCC held an Open Commission Meeting, which considered a Notice of Inquiry seeking comment on whether changes in the Commission’s rules and policies are needed to facilitate the development of commercial and private wireless networks offshore. The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau requested editing privileges, a request that was approved at the meeting. Commissioners Carr, Starks, Simington, and Rosenworcel all supported and voted to enact the Notice of Inquiry. More information on the June 2022 Open Commission Meeting can be found here.