Advanced Television

Federal Communications Commission

AT&T plans satellite connectivity trials

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted AST SpaceMobile, in coordination with AT&T, the ability to test direct-to-cellular connectivity on public safety’s Band 14 spectrum via its BlueBird satellites orbiting Earth. With this approval, it is envisioned that select first responders on FirstNet, Built with AT&T will trial public-safety-grade satellite communications later in 2025. AT&T […]

April 17, 2025

Carr named FCC Chairman

US President Donald Trump has signed an order that designates Commissioner Brendan Carr as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. In a Statement, Carr said: “I am deeply grateful to President Trump and honoured by his decision to designate me as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. I have had the privilege of working at […]

January 21, 2025By Colin Mann

FCC’s Rosenworcel announces departure

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has announced that she intends to depart the FCC on January 20th 2025. Her decision follows the announcement by President-elect Donald Trump that he intends to nominate Brendan Carr to the role when he takes office. “Serving at the Federal Communications Commission has been the honour of a […]

November 21, 2024By Colin Mann

FCC’s Rosenworcel speaks out on broadcast licence threats

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has spoken out following repeated calls by former President Trump to revoke the licences of broadcast stations for political reasons. “While repeated attacks against broadcast stations by the former President may now be familiar, these threats against free speech are serious and should not be ignored,” she stated.” “As […]

October 11, 2024By Colin Mann

US: Spectrum boost for advanced satellite services

The US Federal Communications Commission has adopted new rules to open 1300 megahertz of contiguous spectrum for non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) fixed-satellite service operations in the 17.3-17.8 GHz band. It suggests this action promotes spectrum efficiency, fosters competition, and expands the ability of satellite operators to deploy advanced services, including high-speed Internet access to unserved and […]

September 27, 2024By Colin Mann

FCC reaffirms Starlink subsidies decision

The Federal Communications Commission has reaffirmed the Wireline Bureau’s prior decision to reject the long-form application of Starlink to receive public support through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund programme, based on the applicant’s failure to meet the programme requirements. The programme, which uses scarce universal service funding collected from consumers, sought to expand access to […]

December 13, 2023By Colin Mann

FCC to outlaw video service junk fees

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has announced a proposal to eliminate video service junk fee billing practices by cable operators and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service providers and study their impact on consumer choices. The proposal will be voted on during the December 13th Open Meeting. “No one wants to pay junk fees for […]

November 22, 2023By Colin Mann

FCC spectrum boost for space launches

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has shared with her colleagues final rules to ensure spectrum certainty for communications services used during commercial space launches. As private companies have assumed a vital role in the launch and operation of space satellites, scientific exploration, and transportation of astronauts both for public and commercial purposes, they need access to […]

July 31, 2023By Colin Mann

FCC proposes Next Gen TV rule changes

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has introduced a Report and Order in the Next Generation Broadcast Television (ATSC 3.0 or Next Gen TV) docket, making changes to its Next Gen TV rules designed to preserve over-the-air (OTA) television viewers’ access to the widest possible range of programming while also supporting television broadcasters’ transition to […]

June 26, 2023By Colin Mann

FCC proposes all-in pricing rule

US President Joe Biden has given his support for the Federal Communications Commission’s efforts to protect consumers from hidden subscription fees. “My Administration’s top priority is lowering the cost of living for the middle class, and that includes cracking down on companies’ use of junk fees to hide true costs from families, who end up […]

June 21, 2023By Colin Mann