Communications and Tech Updates from the 115th Congress

October 5, 2017 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (EDT)

Despite some stalled legislative efforts on the broader front, the 115th Congress has maintained an active agenda regarding the communications and tech sectors. While the overwhelming majority of news coverage regarding communications and tech in Congress focuses on the hotly contested topic of net neutrality, lawmakers have introduced proposals and held hearings concerning a number of areas in these industries, including: cybersecurity; 5G and spectrum allocations; the Internet of Things (IoT); regulation of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Universal Service Fund (USF) programs; broadband investment and access; privacy; and data security.

During this webinar, we will provide an update on these communications and tech issues in the 115th Congress. Please click here for a copy of the slides and click here for a copy of the recording.

Some highlights include:

  • The efforts to increase broadband access and deployment, such as the Gigabit Opportunity Act;
  • 5G proposals, including Senator John Thune’s (R-SD) MOBILE NOW Act, which aims to make more 5G wireless spectrum available for commercial use;
  • Congress’ attempts to address the increase of digitally connected products, such as The Developing Innovation and Growing of the Internet of Things Act that proposes creating a working group to analyze best practices for the IoT industry moving forward;
  • House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Marsha Blackburn’s (R-TN) FCC Reauthorization draft bill;
  • Various FCC process reform proposals; and
  • House and Senate committee hearings regarding the oversight of the Lifeline program.

Presenters:

Chip Yorkgitis, Partner – Communications

Jennifer McCadney, Special Counsel – Government Relations and Public Policy, International Trade