September 30, 2022

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Issues Hurricane Ian Access Coordination Request Letter

NATE member companies are frequently on the front lines maintaining and restoring communication networks and related infrastructure both during and in the aftermath of natural disaster events. To fully prepare our member companies who may potentially be tasked with working in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian, the Association is providing an Access Coordination Request letter from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

The CISA letter, effective September 25, 2022 – October 10, 2022, encompasses the communications industry sector and requests that federal, state, local, tribal, emergency management, and law enforcement officials provide site access, fuel priority and other relief measures for companies to restore vital services and functions deemed essential for public health and safety.

NATE encourages all member companies working in the impacted regions to provide copies of the letter to your employees and make sure the letter is accessible in all company commercial motor vehicles.

 To access the CISA Hurricane Access Coordination Request Letter, visit here.

Senate Holds Hearing on FAA Reauthorization

On Wednesday, September 28, the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovations held a hearing on FAA reauthorization, which featured Lisa Ellman, Executive Director of the Commercial Drone Alliance, of which NATE is a proud member. Ellman’s testimony highlighted the challenges the FAA and its regulators face. You can read more about the hearing here.

FCC Spectrum Auction Authority Would Be Extended Through CR

This week, Congressional appropriators released the text of the Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government through December. Assuming the CR passes both chambers – which is widely expected – the FCC’s existing auction powers will be extended through December 16. You can read more about the CR here.

CTIA Advocates “Long-Term Spectrum Pipeline”

According to general counsel for wireless trade group CTIA Tom Power, the group hopes to see Congress create a “long-term spectrum pipeline” at the FCC that would entail “mandating specific auctions.” Power deemed an Accenture report released on Wednesday a “roadmap” for Members of Congress seeking to overhaul the FCC’s spectrum auction authority. You can read more about Accenture’s report here.

Rosenworcel Attends International Telecommunication Union Conference

On Monday, September 26, the International Telecommunication Union, the U.N.’s specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), kicked off its Plenipotentiary Conference, which meets once every four years to set the Union’s general policies, adopt the four-year strategic and financial plans, and elect the senior team of the organization. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel was among the telecommunications leaders in attendance. You can read more about the conference here.