Recent Developments Regarding National Security Risks in Telecommunications Components Sourced from Chinese Companies

We are writing to inform you of recent developments that may have implications for businesses sourcing products, services, or components from China, especially in the field of telecommunications, including Internet of Things (“IoT”). Overview of Recent Developments: Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has taken steps to address potential national security risks associated with Chinese […]

FCC To Consider Harnessing AI To Curb Unwanted Robocalls and Robotexts under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has nearly limitless applications across various domains, including telecom, where it can be used for network traffic analysis and interactive communication with consumers. Concerned about AI’s ability to supercharge illegal robocall and robotexts campaigns and the related privacy issues, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel suggests harnessing AI’s analytical […]

FTC Proposes “Rule on Unfair and Deceptive Fees” That Would Prohibit Hidden “Junk Fees”; Seeks Comment

Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a proposed rule called “Rule on Unfair and Deceptive Fees,” that, if adopted in their proposed form, would ban “misleading” fees and promote transparency around so-called “junk fees” (“hidden and bogus fees that can harm consumers and undercut honest businesses” – the FCC). The proposed rule would […]

FCC Launches Proceeding on Restoring Net Neutrality Rules Reclassifying Broadband as Title II Telecommunications Service; Seeks Public Comment

Earlier today, the FCC voted along party lines to launch proceeding on restoring net neutrality rulemaking that had been previously repealed during the Trump administration.  The FCC also will seek comment on proposals to reclassify broadband services as Title II Telecommunications Services. We covered the contents of the proposed rule in our previous client advisory. […]

FCC Takes Steps to Remove 20 Voice Service Providers From Robocall Mitigation Database for STIR/SHAKEN Noncompliance

Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) issued 20 show cause orders seeking to remove voice service providers (“VSPs”) from the Robocall Mitigation Database for noncompliance with its STIR/SHAKEN rules. Removal from the database would require all intermediate providers and terminating voice service providers to cease accepting the removed VSPs’ traffic, effectively resulting in their calls […]

Data Privacy Alert: California to Adopt “Delete Act”, Expanding Data Broker Obligations

Recently, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 362, known as the “Delete Act.” Although it is currently awaiting Governor Newsom’s signature (he has until October 14th to decide), this legislation is expected to soon become law. The Delete Act aims to streamline the process for consumers to have their personal information deleted by establishing a […]

FCC to Reclassify Broadband as Title II Telecommunications Service, Opening Doors to More Stringent Regulation: Proposed Net Neutrality Rulemaking to be Considered by FCC on October 19

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel on Tuesday proposed restoring consistent nationwide net neutrality rules which would reinstate the FCC’s jurisdiction over broadband (by reclassifying it as telecommunications service) and prohibit broadband Internet access service (BIAS) providers from blocking lawful content, degrading lawful internet traffic, or engaging in paid prioritization. The draft Notice of […]

FCC Adopts Tougher Rules and Reporting Requirements for VoIP Providers, Tightens Phone Number Access to Combat Illegal Robocalls

In a move to further curb unwanted robocalls, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted stringent rules to enhance and modernize the requirements for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers seeking direct access to telephone numbers and seeks comments on their further expansion. The Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, […]

FCC Imposes $116 Million Fine for Unsolicited Pre-Recorded Calls to Toll-Free Numbers

The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) today has taken decisive action, issuing a substantial fine of $116,156,250 against a group of entities responsible for inundating toll-free numbers with nearly 10 million robocalls. This group comprises individuals and organizations, including Thomas Dorsher, ChariTel, OnTel, and ScammerBlaster (collectively, “Dorsher Enterprise”). Despite presenting themselves as advocates against scam robocalls, […]

FCC Doubles Down on Anti-Robocall Compliance Enforcement: Gateway Provider “One Step Closer to Facing Mandatory Blocking from Other Providers”

The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has taken yet another enforcement action on Tuesday, ramping up its enforcement efforts against a gateway provider that flouted the FCC’s robocall mitigation rules. The FCC  issued an Initial Determination Order (“Order”) against One Owl Telecom Inc. (“One Owl”) finding that it violated the FCC’s call blocking rules. The Order […]

FCC Extends Deadlines to Comment on Proposed IoT Labeling Program

On September 15, FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (“PSHSB”) issued an Order Granting Extension of Time granting, in part, two Motions for Extension of Time (“Motions”) filed by a “Joint Trade Association” and a coalition of IoT manufacturers and related organizations requesting an extension of time for filing comments and reply comments to a Proposed IoT […]

FCC Sets New Record with USF Contribution Factor Soaring to 34.5% for Q4 2023

The FCC Managing Director issued a Public Notice on September 13, 2023, announcing the proposed Universal Service Fund (“USF”) contribution factor for the fourth quarter of 2023 will be 34.5%, a significant increase from the current 29.2%. This announcement signifies a noteworthy escalation, setting a new record high at 34.5%, surpassing the previous peak of 33.4% […]

To Combat Unwanted Robocalls FCC Considering Stricter Rules and Reporting Requirements for VoIP Providers and Further Regulating Their Access to Phone Numbers

Determined to curb the issue of illegal robocalls and promote compliance and network security, the FCC released a draft Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking addressing numbering policies yesterday. The document will be considered at the FCC September 21 Open Meeting, and parties seeking changes to the draft must submit […]

FCC Annual Regulatory Fees Due by September 20th – 25% PENALTY for Late Payment

TIME-SENSITIVE REGULATORY COMPLIANCE NOTICE:  Annual Regulatory Fees Payable to the Federal Communications Commission Due No Later than September 20, 2023 Nearly all Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) licensees and other regulated entities must pay regulatory fees annually to offset costs associated with the FCC’s enforcement, public service, international, policy, and rulemaking activities. Fee amounts […]

FCC Seeks Comments on Proposed Rules for its IoT Device Cybersecurity Labeling Program

On August 25, 2023, a summary of the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC” or “Commission”) recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) – seeking comment on its proposed cybersecurity labeling program for Internet of Things (“IoT”) devices – was published in the Federal Register, setting the comment deadline of September 25, 2023, with reply comments due by […]

Congratulations to our Best Lawyers® in America!!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from Marashlian & Donahue, PLLC, The CommLaw Group. Our esteemed partners, Allison D. Rule and Jane L. Wagner, have been recognized for their remarkable achievements and selected by their peers to be honored in the prestigious 2024 Best Lawyers® in America list.    The Best Lawyers in […]