FCC Annual Regulatory Fees Due by September 26, 2024 – 25% PENALTY Fee for Late Payment
TIME-SENSITIVE REGULATORY COMPLIANCE NOTICE: Annual Regulatory Fees Payable to the Federal Communications Commission Due No Later than September 26, 2024 On September 6, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has released its second Report and Order for the assessment and collection of regulatory fees for Fiscal Year 2024. The FCC aims to collect a total […]
FCC Enforcement Bureau Proposes Penalties for Broadband Data Collection Non-Compliance
On September 10, 2024, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau issued Notices of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NALs) against several companies for failing to submit required broadband data as part of the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) program. The companies named in the NALs include: Metro Wireless Centex Web Access Particle Communications Wholesale BySky Lobo Internet Services Antelecom […]
Comments on FCC’s AI-Generated Robocall Proposed Rules Are Due by October 10; Reply Comments Are Due by October 25
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published the proposed rule aimed at addressing the growing concerns surrounding the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in robocalls in the Federal Register yesterday, starting the clock for the 30-day comment and 60-day reply comment period. As covered in our prior advisory, if adopted, the proposed rule would define AI-generated […]
FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Updating 3.5 GHz Service Rules Published; Comment and Reply Comment Dates Established
The Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC” or “Commission”) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Declaratory Ruling, (“NPRM”) soliciting comments on issues concerning operations in the 3.5 GHz band was published in the Federal Register. Comments are due by October 7, 2024; and reply comments must be submitted on or before November 5, 2024. As discussed in our […]
FCC Releases Draft Order Imposing Stringent New Robocall and Robotext Rules on Voice and Text Providers Under Threat of Severe Sanctions; Interested Parties Have Two Weeks to Submit Suggestions and Objections
On September 5, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”), in its continuing efforts to take “aggressive action to combat unwanted and illegal robocalls [and] texts,” released a draft of its Eighth Report & Order and Third Report & Order (collectively “Orders”), which, when adopted, will oblige voice service providers (“VSPs”) and text carriers […]
FCC to Vote on Improving Accessibility of Video Conferencing Services to People with Disabilities: Is Your Company Ready to Meet the New Requirements?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced its intent to vote on mandating significant changes to enhance the accessibility of video conferencing services to people with disabilities during its September 26, 2024, Open Meeting. As Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel explained, these updates aim to ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in video conferencing, a […]
FTC Enforces CAN-SPAM: A Reminder to Ensure Compliance with Email Marketing Laws
On August 30, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a proposed order against security camera firm Verkada, requiring the company to implement a comprehensive information security program following a significant data breach. Notably, this case also marks a rare enforcement action under the CAN-SPAM Act, which regulates commercial emails. The FTC’s proposed order must be […]
FTC Imposes Record Penalty on Verkada for Data Security Failures and CAN-SPAM Violations
On August 30, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a proposed order against the security camera firm Verkada, requiring the company to develop and implement a comprehensive information security program. This action followed allegations that Verkada’s inadequate security practices allowed a hacker to gain access to customers’ security cameras. The proposed order must be […]
FTC Raises Telemarketer Fees to Access the National Do-Not-Call Registry Effective October 1, 2024
On August 27, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced amendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) that will update the fees telemarketers must pay to access the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry. These changes, effective October 1, 2024, are mandated by the and reflect adjustments based on recent inflation metrics. Details of the […]
FCC and Privacy Commissioner of Canada Agree to Cross-Border Information Sharing and Enforcement Collaboration
On August 28, 2024, U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Canada’s Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster information sharing and enforcement cooperation between the two regulatory bodies. This agreement marks a significant step forward in the effort to protect consumer privacy, data security, and cybersecurity across […]
FCC Seeks Comments on Updating 3.5 GHz Service Rules; Proposed Power Level Increases for Small Cells and End-User Equipment Featured
On August 16, 2024 the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Declaratory Ruling, (“NPRM”) soliciting comments on a variety of issues concerning operations in the 3.5 GHz band. Based on ex parte communications, the proposed rule changes that are of most interest to 3.5 GHz operators and equipment […]
FCC’s Request for Stay and Implications for the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program
FCC’s Request for Stay in Fifth Circuit Decision Concerning Universal Service Fund – Key Considerations and Expected Outcomes On Friday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) submitted a request to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to stay the issuance of its mandate in the ongoing litigation concerning the Universal Service Fund (USF). The mandate, scheduled for […]
FTC Announces Final Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials
On August 22, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule and Statement of Basis and Purpose (SBP) regarding unfair and deceptive practices involving consumer reviews or testimonials. Effective October 21, 2024, this rule aims to protect consumers by enhancing the accuracy and reliability of reviews. The rule enforces Section 5 of the […]
Lingo Telecom to Pay $1 Million in FCC Settlement Over Deepfake Robocalls
On August 21, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a $1 million settlement with Lingo Telecom. The settlement was the result of Lingo’s failure to properly validate caller ID information, which allowed a Democratic consultant to use a deepfake voice of President Joe Biden in robocalls aimed at discouraging voter participation in the New […]
Texas Judge Blocks FTC’s Proposed Ban on Non-Compete Agreements
In the case of Ryan LLC v. Federal Trade Commission, a Texas Federal Judge recently issued the first preliminary injunction against the FTC’s proposed ban on non-compete agreements. This rule, initially set to take effect on September 4, 2024, would prohibit existing non-competes for non-senior executives and ban new non-competes for all employees under Section 5 of the […]
Upcoming FCC Deadline: RCCCI Registry Filing Requirements and CVAA Certifications for IVCS Providers
On July 29, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice establishing October 3, 2024, as the deadline for certain entities to file their information in the Recordkeeping Compliance Certification and Contact Information Registry (RCCCI Registry). Following the initial October 3, 2024 deadline, annual Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) certifications will be […]
