In response to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has secured pledges from a growing list of major and minor broadband players to loosen billing rules and provide free access to existing public Wi-Fi hotspots. Some carriers are also waiving data caps. With increased reliance on telework as offices send workers home, online...… Continue Reading
Earlier this week, the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), issued multiple letters that will provide the bearer access to: restricted areas and times (such as during curfews) if necessary to access communications equipment to ensure continued service; and priority access to fuel for generators and debris...… Continue Reading
In recent days, we have seen Presidential primaries delayed by the coronavirus in at least six states – including Ohio which was originally set to vote yesterday but has postponed its primary until June 2. We expect that additional states will be looking at extensions in the coming days. As lowest unit rate windows had... Continue Reading…
The repacking of the TV band following the incentive auction is reaching its end – but perhaps not as quickly as anticipated. Yesterday, the FCC issued “Guidance” to stations in Phase 9 of the repacking indicating that they can request extensions so that their deadline for implementing any repacking obligation would be the same as... Continue Reading…
As COVID-19 continues to challenge our nation, we at Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth PLC are taking action to ensure the health and safety of our team and their loved ones. Starting tomorrow, March 18, 2020, all staff will transition to telework. FHH attorneys and staff are reachable via email and their office telephone numbers and...… Continue Reading
The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has invited comments as to whether it should grant a six-month extension of time for Multichannel Video Program Distributors (“MVPDs”) to comply with the “Right to Transparency” provisions of the Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019 (“TVPA”). This proceeding will be a quick one, with Comments due April 6, and...… Continue Reading
We’ve heard that some broadcasters are worried about staffing their main studios and allowing the public to visit the studios in this period where the government and health authorities have called for social distancing. With the elimination of the main studio and studio staffing rules back in 2018 (see our articles here and here), this should not... Continue Reading…
The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has proposed to eliminate the rule that requires cable television systems to post in their public file information about the nature and extent of their attributable interests in video program services and which of those services they own are carried on their system. Cable operators have acquired ownership interests in...… Continue Reading
As Washington reacts to the coronavirus, there are certainly regulatory implications to broadcasters and other media companies. The FCC Thursday announced that its headquarters is closed to visitors and that its employees should begin to telework. Many FCC employees regularly took advantage of telework options before the current situation, so it can be expected that... Continue Reading…