Today, Public Knowledge and Communications Workers of America notified the Federal Communications Commission of the withdrawal of objections to the Verizon/TracFone merger in exchange for commitments from Verizon that protect TracFone’s most vulnerable subscribers. Access Humboldt, the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society, and the California Center for Rural Policy also joined the letter withdrawing objections. 

Today, Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced the “21st Century FTC Act” to strengthen the agency’s rulemaking authority as well as its authority to fine lawbreakers the first time they harm consumers as opposed to waiting for them to break the law again.

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision in the case of AMG Capital Management, LLC v. FTC. The court held that the Federal Trade Commission cannot seek restitution from bad actors to make consumers whole — without going through a broken administrative process, first. The decision effectively strips the FTC of its ability to compensate consumers harmed by companies and organizations that violate the agency’s rules.

Today, President Joe Biden named Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel as acting chair of the Federal Communications Commission. Commissioner Rosenworcel has been a strong advocate for broadband affordability, student access through the E-Rate program to in-home broadband connectivity, and generally a more consumer-focused FCC. Public Knowledge commends Commissioner Rosenworcel for her work in championing the public interest.

Today, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Public Knowledge’s appeal of the Federal Communications Commission’s November 2017 Order, “Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment,” on the grounds that Petitioners lacked standing. The case is Greenling Institute, et al. v. FCC, Case No. 17-73283.

Yesterday, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) introduced the “Satellite Television Community Protection and Promotion Act” in an attempt to prevent consumers from experiencing runaway price increases for video content. Unfortunately, the bill puts the ability of many rural and other viewers to continue to access network programming at risk and could result in an effective pay-TV monopoly for many viewers.

This week, the Federal Communications Commission announced that it would vote on a Fifth Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks to adopt a vertical, or “Z-axis,” metric to enhance location accuracy for wireless E911 calls. This feature would make it easier for First Responders to locate all Americans who call for help — no matter where they are

Yesterday, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-PA) introduced the “Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019” to prevent consumers from experiencing blackouts and runaway price increases for video content.

Today, Senate Commerce Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) introduced the “Satellite Television Access Reauthorization Act of 2019 (STAR Act)” to enable satellite TV subscribers to access broadcast stations to view news, sports, and programming at a fair and competitive price.

Today, Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced the “Online Privacy Act of 2019” to create comprehensive privacy protections for consumers.