Newsletter September 29, 2023

Wireless Roundup (October 2023)

September 29, 2023

Key Wireless Deadlines
Upcoming Meetings and Events
Cyber Corner
Did You Know?
Recent Wiley Client Alerts, IoT Blog Posts, and Podcasts

Key Wireless Deadlines

FCC Releases Draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Net Neutrality: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) has released the long-awaited draft of its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on net neutrality. In the NPRM, the Commission proposes to reestablish authority over broadband internet by classifying internet service providers (ISPs) as telecommunications service providers under Title II of the Communications Act. We break down the implications of the Draft NPRM in more detail here. Comments are due December 14, 2023 and reply comments are due January 17, 2024.

FCC Seeks Comment on the 5G Fund for Rural America Implementation: In this Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM), the Federal Communications Commission seeks comment on various issues related to implementing the 5G Fund for Rural America. Specifically, the Commission asks for updated comments on defining the areas eligible for 5G Fund support, the budget for the 5G Fund, and what metrics and geographic areas to use for bidding and identifying winning bids in the 5G Fund Auction. The FNPRM also invites comment on how to measure 5G Fund support recipient’s compliance with its public interest obligations and performance requirements, and whether the proceeding could create an opportunity to support additional deployment of Open Radio Access Network technologies, among other inquiries. Comments are due October 23 and reply comments are due November 21.

FCC Invites Comment on its IoT Cybersecurity Labeling Program: In this NPRM, the Commission seeks comment on its proposed voluntary cybersecurity labeling program that would provide information to consumers on the relative security of an Internet of Things (IoT) device or product. The Commission proposes to limit the program eligibility to IoT devices that intentionally emit radio frequency (RF) energy but asks whether the Commission should also include other devices such as products that connect to Wi-Fi as an intermediary. The NPRM also asks for input on oversight and management via its proposal to create Cybersecurity Labeling Authorization Bodies, the development of criteria and standards stemming from the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) proposal, and program administration issues. Per an extension of the comment deadlines, comments are due October 6 and reply comments are due November 10.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

FCC Open Meeting: The next FCC Open Meeting is scheduled for October 19. Meeting and agenda details can be found here. The agenda includes:
- Net Neutrality NPRM;
- School Bus Wi-Fi Declaratory Ruling;
- Broadband Connectivity and Maternal Health Notice of Inquiry (NOI);
- Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band Report and Order (R&O);
- Support for Alaska Connectivity NPRM;
- Improving Wireless Emergency Alerts R&O; and
- Accessible Video Programming R&O.

Cyber Corner

NIST Seeks Comment on Draft Updates to NIST SP 1800-36: The NIST is seeking comment on the Drafts of volumes A (Executive Summary) and D (Functional Demonstrations) of NIST SP 1800-36, which addresses trusted IoT device network-layer onboarding and lifecycle management. Comments are due November 10.

NIST National Standards Strategy Request for Information (RFI): NIST is seeking comment on how best to develop and implement the National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology (NSSCET). The RFI asks general questions about benefits and risks of standards development and about barriers to private sector participation. It also asks questions associated with each pillar of the Strategy: Investment, Participation, Workforce, and Integrity and Inclusivity. Comments are due November 6.

Did You Know?

September 26-28: Megan Brown, Jen Hindin, Scott Delacourt, Josh Turner, Kevin Rupy, Meredith Singer, Kat Scott, Sara Baxenberg, Steve Conley, and Scott Bouboulis attended the MWC Conference in Las Vegas, NV. Read the related Wiley Connect Blog Post here.

September 26: Kevin Rupy spoke on a panel at the MWC Conference on compliance strategies for companies sending outbound messaging communications. Read the related Wiley Connect Blog Post here.

Wiley created a Sanctions and Export Controls Resource Center, which hosts our latest insights related to sanctions, export controls, digital currency, cybersecurity and privacy, and other issues surrounding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Check out our Consumer Protection Download Newsletter, the latest edition is available here.