The FCC has released its January Open Meeting agenda, and among the four items up for a vote is a Fourth Report and Order that would permit a new class of unlicensed 6 GHz devices—geofenced variable power (GVP) unlicensed devices—that operate outdoors at higher power.
The Commission will also consider a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would allow for increased power for certain 6 GHz operations controlled by automated frequency coordination systems and extend low-power indoor operations to cruise ships.
The twin votes are tied to an effort to widen unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band.
Following consideration and vote-taking for ET Docket No. 18-295, Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioners Olivia Trusty and Anna Gómez will consider a Report and Order that would adopt new attestation and disclosure requirements for holders of Commission-granted licenses, leases, authorizations, permits, grants and other approvals, that would enhance public transparency over Foreign Adversary Control over U.S. communications networks operators.
Then, the Commissioners and Chairman Carr will consider a Report and Order that would adopt clarifications to the FCC’s foreign ownership rules and practices for foreign investment in common carrier wireless and aeronautical radio, and broadcast licensees to reduce unnecessary burdens on industry while continuing to protect the public interest, including national security, law enforcement, foreign policy, and trade policy.
The latter item specifically involves non-U.S. ownership considerations for over-the-air radio and TV stations.
Lastly, the FCC will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would seek comment on enhancements for Internet Protocol (IP) Relay and Video Relay Services (VRS), administrative reforms to streamline the TRS program, updating or eliminating obsolete rules, and closing outdated dockets.
