Steve Tugentman

The #FCC has voted to restore net neutrality. It prohibits internet service providers from blocking, throttling, or engaging in paid prioritization of lawful content. By classifying broadband service as a “#telecommunications” service under Title II of the law, the FCC restores its oversight of internet service outages, national security threats in broadband #networks, and #consumerprotection and regains key tools to promote broadband deployment. This would entail expanding #government oversight over #broadband providers, by treating it like a utility service. This will also invariably extend their oversight into the #security issues of the #providers. https://lnkd.in/gGEQKKSq

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In a 400 page plus Order the FCC has re-reclassified broadband Internet as a Title II Telecommunications Service. In this first blog we provide an overview of the Order and why it's important to ISPs. In subsequent posts we will explore additional aspects of the Order.

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Mark Twain said, "History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes." Phil Kelley's announcement this week that after more than 27 years he will be leaving Crown Castle, a company that he joined "for the intriguing business model...." That made me reflect on the history of one then-emerging infrastructure industry and the nascence of a now-emerging industry. Before Exelon, before Quanta Services, Inc., before InfraSource, A Quanta Services Company and even before I became aware of CCI my company was invited by Dominic Villecco at V-COMM, LLC to join a team orchestrated by Anthony De Vito, CEM at PPL Corporation to rollout a network of cellular sites for market launch of a PCS D, E, F licensee in rural Pennsylvania, Conestoga Wireless now T-Mobile. Exciting stuff. Especially since we were trying something new: Installing equipment on single carrier, direct embedded wood poles in the PPL Right Of Way to accelerate the bulk of the launch build (that's distribution poles). In 2001 Conestoga sold its traditional monopole and lattice towers, along with the attachment rights to those distribution poles to Mountain Union Telecom. And five years after that, MUT sold 468 towers to CCI. So that's the Phil Kelley Crown Castle connection, but how's that history rhyme with anything? At the time I asked what kinda multiple single carrier poles would bring to the the deal. Expensive (and very, very painful) to redevelop as multi-carrier sites. I knew; by then we were doing that on PECO right of way custom built for AT&T. But on the same day as Phil's announcement posted on LinkedIn I was discussing dealflow with a key partner in the Charging Management Systems network space. We were discussing the relative value (to anyone other than the fleet owner) of dedicated fleet #evcharging infrastructure. Hmmm, I thought, this sounds vaguely familiar. https://lnkd.in/evVVu3uk

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We need to use ALL of the #tools in the #broaband toolbox!

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The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment or BEAD Program is a once in a lifetime opportunity to connect all Americans. But to do that, we have to get the requirements around the deployment right. At the recent Connect (X): Powered by WIA conference I spoke about why it’s so important that states' BEAD programs look to trusted and experienced providers like Verizon who have the skills and experienced workforce not just to build correctly, but to maintain and care for those networks and serve residents for years to come.  #broadbandforeveryone #BEAD

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Telecommunications Law Professionals PLLC's Carl W. Northrop and Jessica DeSimone Gyllstrom take a deep dive into MVNO regulation on the #BoonofWireless Podcast with Jon Horovitz. Check it out here.

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Read my latest blog on the additional action needed for BEAD and other broadband infrastructure funding to succeed. The FCC has a real opportunity to continue to improve the deployment case by further addressing its pole attachment regulations as it recently proposed for large builds. The states that regulate poles have a role to play as well. Time is of the essence as we anticipate BEAD funding in the coming months and next year. #internetforall

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Although ACP funding has run out, advocates are shifting their focus toward the various proposed federal broadband legislations aimed at continuing the program. Check out Government Technology for the federal broadband bills to watch: https://lnkd.in/gipMRD83

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OpenCape proudly stands alongside a coalition of diverse organizations—from municipalities and non-profits to healthcare providers and businesses—all united by a common concern: the lack of viable internet options on Cape Cod. Despite Comcast's claims of comprehensive coverage, which are based on self-reported data, our coalition knows the reality is starkly different. With $147 million in BEAD funds ready to be distributed via the Commonwealth, we are determined to showcase the true extent of the internet service gap. To achieve this, we urge residents to participate by simply taking 3 speed tests at fixcapeinternet.com This data will provide irrefutable evidence of underserved areas, essential for advocating for improved broadband access across the region. To empower our existing and prospective coalition members in spreading this crucial message, we've developed a comprehensive toolkit, available on the site. It includes postcards, emails, social media ads, scripts, and informative one-sheets—all designed to facilitate easy communication with constituents in multiple languages about the urgent need for better internet infrastructure. By leveraging these resources and encouraging community involvement, we aim to ensure that every resident and business on Cape Cod has access to reliable, high-speed internet. Our collective efforts will challenge the status quo and pave the way for a more connected future for all who call this region home. Take Action Today! www.fixcapeinternet.com. Please share and repost! #opencape #InternetForAll #MAdigitalequity #fiberbroadband #stopthemonopoly #capecod

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Do you know how today's technology leaders are working towards broadband access for all? Message me here on LinkedIn to discuss the three strategies. #broadband #digitalequity #comcastbusiness #iworkforcomcast

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This blog post illustrates the importance of having a symmetrical gigabit as our national broadband definition. Thinking ahead is crucial. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gZm5mc9b

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Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission voted to restore #netneutrality rules, ensuring broadband services are treated as an essential resource under Title II authority. This move from the US government will reverse the 2017 rollbacks. The #FCC's 3-2 vote to enact legislation and the preceding debate highlights sharply contested views on the best strategy to foster a digital society where connectivity is dependable, equitable, and universally accessible. Proponents of the FCC's decision champion the reinstatement as a vital step in ensuring the internet remains an open platform where both startups and established businesses can thrive equally. By reclassifying internet service providers (ISPs) as common carriers, the FCC aims to prevent practices harming the free flow of information, such as blocking or throttling data. Critics argue that the measures could pave the way for price controls and may actually suppress innovation. They highlight the FCC's historical reluctance to intervene with previous net neutrality oversight powers as a testament to the regulations' ineffectiveness. Furthermore, they emphasise periods when the industry effectively cooperated with lawmakers and the public to enhance accessibility, notably during the pandemic, suggesting that future net neutrality statutes amount to little more than an unnecessary obstacle hindering an already agreed upon collective goal. While the US has decided to embrace net neutrality once again, the topic continues to be debated globally. Different countries have adopted various stances, influenced by regulatory environments, market dynamics, and policy priorities. For example, the EU has been at the forefront of net neutrality legislation, with regulations in place that prevent ISPs from influencing traffic. Meanwhile, other nations have exceptions to neutrality when it comes to content that is deemed inappropriate, and countries like China and Australia have not imposed net neutrality at all. Striking a balance between establishing consistent global principles for net neutrality and allowing flexibility to accommodate local market conditions and regulatory environments adds another layer to what is already a complex topic. While the debate is an important one, it must be considered within the broader goal of improving connectivity. Arguments over ex anti-regulation, where reliance on competition and competition law is sufficient, may risk diluting the issue. It's crucial regulators keep their eyes on the ball and prioritise safeguarding innovation, competition, and accessibility online. What do you think is the best approach to support Net Neutrality? Is it self-regulation, similar to rules in the Caribbean, soft rules, like those adopted by Japan or South Korea, or hard regulation, like in the EU and US? Let us know in the comments. Read more about the FCC's news in Reuters - https://lnkd.in/eT8_Y9pD 

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Diving into the complexities of the BEAD program, NTCA’s Shirley Bloomfield offers a masterclass on the nuanced challenges of rural broadband deployment. It’s a must-read for those who appreciate the intricate dance of policy and technology. For an insightful analysis, check out the full article: https://lnkd.in/ghby-Vt5   #BroadbandPolicy #TechInsights

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Insightful article by Brett Willitt on how Communications companies can accelerate broadband deployments. Click below to read ⬇️

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Come join us for the next FCC Open Meeting on July 18, 2024, where important accessibility items will be on the Commission agenda. 1. Captioning Display Settings. A draft Third Report and Order (Order) that would require manufacturers of covered apparatus and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to make closed captioning display settings readily accessible to individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing.  2. NG911. A draft Report and Order would require wireline, commercial mobile radio service, covered text, interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) providers to transition to NG911 in two phases, with each phase including the delivery of 911 traffic (including location information) in the requested IP-based format to designated in-state NG911 delivery points following a 911 authority’s valid request.  3. Carceral Communications. A draft Report and Order would update the definition of advanced communications services in the FCC’s rules; allow for enterprise registration for the provision of Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service in carceral facilities; require that practices for Incarcerated People’s Communications Services be disclosed in accessible formats; and allow providers of IPCS to provide access to traditional (TTY-based) TRS via real-time text. A draft Order on Reconsideration would allow TRS providers 30 days from the day the provider receives written notification that an incarcerated person has been transferred or released to update the person’s information in the TRS user registration database and clarifies the updated registration information that TRS providers must transmit to the database when an incarcerated person is released.  Link to News Release with Open Meeting Agenda for July 2024 Open Meeting: https://lnkd.in/evDrpWja  The meeting will be held in the Commission Meeting Room, 45 L Street N.E., Washington, D.C 20554. The FCC meeting is also available online at www.fcc.gov/live.  Reasonable Accommodations: Open captioning and sign language interpreting will be provided for this meeting. Other reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Send your request to fcc504@fcc.gov or call (202) 418-0530. For more information:  Captioning Display Settings: For general information about captioning settings, visit: https://lnkd.in/eRTAd_Ac.  NG911: For general information about 911 services, visit: https://lnkd.in/eq97t3MA.  Carceral Communications: For general information about accessible carceral communications, visit: https://lnkd.in/e2hQm6Df, and the ASL video is available at: https://lnkd.in/ehJCWCSW. Individuals who use videophones and are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432-2275 (videophone).

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Why should your town consider public broadband? At the end of the day, it comes down to the primary purpose of reflecting community-focused priorities over profit. Check our handbook to see if public broadband is right for your community. https://lnkd.in/gC-sAWr4

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My article, published today by Fierce Network, covers the issues and opportunities of Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), a key goal of the National Spectrum Strategy. This moonshot effort is feasible so long as participants agree on key principles. https://lnkd.in/g3v7rXek

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As the FCC reinstates Title II regulation, understanding the precise definition of "broadband" becomes crucial. Today's POTs and PANs blog by Douglas Dawson delves deep into what constitutes broadband Internet access service and its implications for service providers under the current regulatory framework. The FCC defines broadband as a mass-market retail service that's accessible to residential customers, small businesses, schools, and libraries. This definition shapes not only how services are marketed and priced but also determines regulatory compliance and oversight. Read the full blog to get a clearer picture of how the FCC’s definitions might impact your services and strategies moving forward: https://lnkd.in/eA3jkfy5 Stay informed and prepared with Broadband Label Genie, your partner in navigating the complex world of FCC regulations. #BroadbandLabelGenie #FCCCompliance #Telecommunications #ISP #BroadbandRegulations

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