The Daily Ex Parte, July 16, 2025
Paramount & CBS O&Os, AWS-3, 6 GHz, 70/80/90 GHz, Lower 12 GHz, and Upper 12 GHz
Filers
Center for American Rights - news distortion complaint - CBS
Micronet Communications, Inc. - 70/80/90 GHz
OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates - multilingual WEA
Astranis Space Technologies Corp. - satellite licensing framework
Public Knowledge - Tribal licensing window (TLW) AWS-3 Auction
Ak-Chin Indian Community - NEPA review requirements
NCTA - The Internet & Television Association - IP-based voice services
International Brotherhood of Teamsters, FUSE Media, Center for American Rights - protect jobs at CBS O&O stations
Competitive Carriers Association - small business bidding credits AWS-3
Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) - support for unlicensed spectrum, 6 GHz, Lower 12 GHz, and Upper 12 GHz
Center for American Rights
Proceeding: 25-73
Date of Meeting: July 15, 2025
Date Disseminated: July 16, 2025
Participants:
Center for American Rights: Daniel R. Suhr
FCC, Office of Commissioner Olivia Trusty: Krista Senell (Chief of Staff and Senior Counsel), Jessica Kinsey (Acting Legal Advisor)
Summary of Discussion:
On July 15, 2025, Daniel R. Suhr of the Center for American Rights participated in an introductory videoconference with staff from Commissioner Olivia Trusty's office. The discussion centered on MB Docket No. 25-73, which concerns a news distortion complaint filed by the Center for American Rights against CBS Broadcasting Inc., the licensee of station WCBS in New York, NY.
During the meeting, Mr. Suhr provided a general overview of the Center's engagement with the FCC regarding issues at CBS. He recapped the procedural status of the complaint and outlined the broad strokes of their filing. The communication served as an introduction to the case, summarizing the nature of the news distortion complaint for the Commissioner's staff.
Source: [NOTICE OF EXPARTE, Center for American Rights, https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/107151617514702/1]
Micronet Communications, Inc.
Proceeding(s): 20-133
Date of Meeting: July 10, 2025
Date Disseminated: July 14, 2025
Participants:
Micronet Communications, Inc.: Fredrich Lamprecht (President)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC):
Blaise Scinto
Staff from the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB)
Staff from the Space Bureau (SB)
Summary of Discussion:
At the FCC's request, representatives from Micronet Communications, Inc., led by President Fredrich Lamprecht, met with FCC staff from the Wireless Bureau (WTB) and Space Bureau (SB). The meeting, led by Blaise Scinto, focused on the January 26, 2024 Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) concerning the 70/80/90 GHz bands.
The discussion covered two main areas:
Report and Order Implementation: Micronet, an FCC-certified Third-Party Database Manager, discussed implementation issues for the Link Registration System (LRS). Micronet affirmed its readiness to implement new construction certification requirements. However, it noted that implementing rules for de minimis link modifications would necessitate coordination with the NTIA.
FNPRM Proposal for FSS Earth Stations: The parties discussed the proposal to include Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) earth stations in the 70/80/90 GHz bands. Micronet reported on a recent successful experimental transfer of an initial group of FSS stations between third-party database managers and shared its preliminary findings from the experiment with the FCC staff.
Source: [NOTICE OF EXPARTE, Micronet Communications, Inc., https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/1071586852759/1]
OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates
Proceeding(s): 15-91, 15-94
Date of Meeting: July 15, 2025 (via written submission)
Date Disseminated: July 16, 2025
Participants: A letter was submitted by Thu Nguyen of OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, Frank Washington of Crossings TV, Jin Sung of OASIS Center International, and Gregg Orton of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans. The letter was addressed to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
Summary of Discussion:
In a written ex parte communication, a coalition of organizations representing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities expressed significant concerns regarding the FCC's proposal to create pre-scripted, multilingual Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) templates.
The coalition argues that while the intent to improve access for non-English speakers is commendable, the proposed templates would be ineffective for a large portion of the AANHPI community. They highlight the immense linguistic diversity within AANHPI populations, noting that the templates would not cover the unique dialects spoken by many. Citing data from Asian Americans Advancing Justice and the Japanese American Citizens League, the letter states that up to 50% of AANHPIs have Limited English Proficiency (LEP). This issue is compounded by the fact that LEP rates vary widely among different ethnic groups, from 14% for Micronesian Americans to 2.3% for Native Hawaiians.
Furthermore, the organizations contend that local emergency officials are unlikely to use generic, pre-scripted templates because emergency messages must be crafted specifically for the unique circumstances of each event.
Instead of developing rigid templates, the coalition urges the FCC to encourage local emergency officials to use the existing, more flexible capabilities of the WEA system. They propose two key strategies:
Utilize Website Links: Encourage officials to embed links in WEA messages that direct users to trusted websites. These websites can host detailed, tailored emergency information in the specific languages and dialects needed by local communities.
Foster Local Partnerships: Promote collaboration between emergency officials and native-level speakers from local communities. These partnerships would help craft emergency messages that are not only linguistically accurate but also culturally relevant and actionable for the target audience.
The core message is that empowering local officials with flexible tools and community partnerships is a more effective approach than a one-size-fits-all template system, which they believe will fail to reach the most vulnerable and isolated AANHPI communities.
Source: [NOTICE OF EXPARTE, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/1071591094275/1]
Astranis Space Technologies Corp.
Proceeding(s): 25-133
Date of Meeting: July 11, 2025
Date Disseminated: July 16, 2025
Participants:
Astranis Space Technologies Corp. ("Astranis"): John Gedmark (CEO), Christian Keil (Vice President of External Relations), and Kimberly M. Baum (Head of Regulatory).
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Chairman Carr and Arpan Sur (Senior Counsel to Chairman Carr).
Summary of Discussion:
Representatives from Astranis Space Technologies Corp. met with Chairman Carr and his Senior Counsel to discuss key issues the company faces with the FCC's satellite licensing framework. Astranis, a U.S.-based company that designs, builds, and operates small geostationary ("MicroGEO") satellites, argued that current policies hinder new entrants and stifle American competitiveness in the space industry.
The discussion focused on three primary areas of concern:
High Costs and Burdensome Bond Requirements: Astranis asserted that obtaining and maintaining a space station license in the United States is more expensive than anywhere else in the world. They specifically criticized the bond requirement, calling it a disproportionate and capital-constraining burden on new entrants. For companies like Astranis without long-term banking relationships or large balance sheets, the requirement ties up significant capital that could otherwise be invested in hiring U.S. engineers, expanding manufacturing, or building satellites. Astranis argued the current bond structure is inequitable, as it exempts replacement satellites and the addition of new payloads to existing in-orbit satellites, effectively favoring established operators while "freezing out" new competitors.
Restrictions on Satellite Use: While acknowledging no explicit rules, Astranis claimed that FCC "staff policies" often complicate the process of bringing an orbital slot's International Telecommunication Union (ITU) filing into use. They urged the FCC to eliminate these policies and align with the ITU Radio Regulations. Doing so, they argued, would advance the FCC's goal of ensuring American leadership in space and allow U.S. companies the flexibility to operate their satellites for short-term missions, preventing the U.S. from falling behind other nations that adhere to the more permissive ITU standards.
Barriers to Accessing Spectrum and Orbital Resources: Astranis highlighted what it described as anti-competitive behavior by established operators, specifically naming Intelsat, to block new entrants from accessing valuable spectrum and orbital resources. Astranis cited Intelsat's application (ICFS File No. SAT-MOD-20250211-00042) for the 121° W.L. orbital location as a prime example. They contended that Intelsat is attempting to add non-commercially viable "mini" Ku and Ka-band payloads to its C-band Galaxy 31 satellite solely to "warehouse" the spectrum for eighteen years. Astranis further alleged that Intelsat is deploying this strategy at other orbital locations (e.g., 93° W.L. with Galaxy 35), using satellites from the C-band transition to gain control of Ku- and Ka-band spectrum at the expense of competition.
Astranis urged the FCC to recognize that the purpose of its licensing process is to enable actual radiocommunication services for American consumers and businesses. Consequently, they requested that the FCC dismiss applications like Intelsat's as not being in the public interest. The company concluded that these recommended changes are necessary to ensure the primacy of American companies in space and to create a clear, timely, and economically viable licensing path in the United States.
Source: [NOTICE OF EXPARTE, Astranis Space Technologies Corp., https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/10715698301247/1]
Public Knowledge (a second Ex Parte follows)
Proceeding(s): 25-70, 25-71, 13-185
Date of Meeting: July 11, 2025
Date Disseminated: July 16, 2025
Participants: Harold Feld, Nat Purser, and Sarah Hanson of Public Knowledge (PK); Matt Rantanen of the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association; Darrah Blackwater of the Office of the President and Vice-President of the Navajo Nation; and Sascha Meinrath of X-Lab met with William Holloway from the office of Commissioner Trusty.
Summary of Discussion:
The participants advocated for the creation of a dedicated Tribal Licensing Window (TLW) in the upcoming Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) auction and subsequent spectrum auctions. They argued that such a window is a crucial part of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) federal trust obligation to protect tribal resources and uphold tribal sovereignty.
The core arguments presented in favor of a TLW were:
Fulfilling Federal Trust Obligations: A TLW would provide Tribes with a fair and meaningful opportunity to acquire spectrum rights essential for their economic development, public safety, and cultural preservation. It would acknowledge the unique legal status of Tribes and address historical barriers—including significant administrative and economic hurdles—that have prevented their participation in spectrum auctions.
Building on Past Success: The group pointed to the 2.5 GHz TLW as a successful model. They cited analysis from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance indicating that 176 distinct Tribal areas would qualify for licenses under expanded eligibility rules. They argued that since Tribal Nations made robust use of the 2.5 GHz opportunity, a similar window for AWS-3 licenses would spur further network growth.
Enhancing Public Safety: A TLW would empower Tribal governments to deploy their own emergency alert systems, which is particularly critical given the disproportionate rates of violence and disappearance among American Indians and Alaska Natives. The new "Missing and Endangered Persons" alert code adopted by the FCC would be more effective on Tribal lands with dedicated spectrum. It would also improve disaster response coordination for events like floods and fires, to which Tribal communities are often more vulnerable.
The advocates asserted that implementing a TLW would not cause undue delays, countering potential concerns:
Feasibility and Experience: Much of the necessary groundwork is already complete. Maps for determining eligible Tribal lands exist, and Tribes now have experience with the application process from the 2.5 GHz window. They argued that any required outreach and training would not need to be more extensive than what the FCC already provides for all auction participants.
Managing Complexity: While acknowledging that an "inventory auction" might be more complex than a nationwide auction (requiring an overlay of Tribal land maps with inventory license maps), they noted that the FCC staff has direct experience managing this issue from the 2.5 GHz auction, where licenses were limited to rural areas and sometimes only partially covered Tribal lands.
The group requested several specific changes to the draft order:
Dispute Legal Finding in Footnote 162: They strongly disagreed with the legal conclusion that a simultaneous auction and TLW would violate Section 309(j)(3)(E)(ii). They argued there is little evidence that carving out these lands—which they claim bidders often do not want to serve anyway—would meaningfully impact bidding behavior. They urged the FCC not to make a broad ruling that would constrain its ability to use TLWs in future auctions.
Correct Technical Inaccuracy in Footnote 149: They pointed out that while the 2.5 GHz auction was the first TLW outside the broadcast service, the FCC has previously used mechanisms to award broadcast licenses without auctions by avoiding conflicting applications, and these same mechanisms could be applied in other wireless contexts.
Alternative Request (re: Footnote 158): If the FCC ultimately decides against a TLW, the participants urged the Commission to, at a minimum, include strong language in its order. This language should remind wireless carriers of their responsibility to serve Tribal lands and state that the FCC will monitor build-out. They vigorously disputed CTIA's claim that providers are already working effectively with Tribes, and suggested the FCC should be prepared to use enforcement tools like "forced partitions" or "use or lose" conditions if carriers fail to serve these communities.
Source: [NOTICE OF EXPARTE, Public Knowledge, https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/1071599750002/1]
Public Knowledge
Proceeding(s): 25-70, 25-71, 13-185, 25-133
Date of Meeting: July 11, 2025
Date Disseminated: July 16, 2025
Participants:
From Public Knowledge (PK): Harold Feld (Senior Vice President), Nat Purser (Government Affairs Policy Advocate), and Sarah Hanson.
From the Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Edyael Casaperalta and Deena Shetler (from the office of Commissioner Gomez).
Summary of Discussion:
Representatives from Public Knowledge (PK) met with staff from Commissioner Gomez's office to advocate for the creation of a Tribal licensing window (TLW) in the upcoming Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) auction and future spectrum auctions. The discussion covered the FCC's trust obligations to Tribal Nations, the benefits of a TLW, and specific issues within the draft order.
Advocacy for a Tribal Licensing Window
PK argued that the FCC has a federal trust obligation to protect tribal resources and uphold tribal sovereignty. They contended that establishing a TLW is a crucial way to meet this obligation by providing Tribes with a "fair and meaningful opportunity" to acquire spectrum licenses. This access is vital for tribal economic development, public safety, and cultural preservation.
Key arguments in favor of the TLW included:
Overcoming Barriers to Entry: A dedicated window would help Tribes overcome the significant administrative and financial hurdles associated with participating in traditional spectrum auctions.
Building on Past Success: PK highlighted the success of the 2.5 GHz TLW. Citing analysis from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, they noted that 176 distinct Tribal areas could qualify for AWS-3 licenses under expanded eligibility rules, demonstrating significant potential for network growth.
Enhancing Public Safety: Access to spectrum would empower Tribal governments to implement critical public safety alert systems, such as the new "Missing and Endangered Persons" alert. This is particularly important for Tribal communities, which face disproportionate rates of violence and are vulnerable to natural disasters.
Auction Readiness: PK asserted that establishing a TLW would not unduly delay the auction. They argued that the necessary maps to define Tribal lands already exist and that Tribes are now familiar with the application process from the 2.5 GHz window. While acknowledging the "inventory auction" might add some complexity in overlaying Tribal lands with available licenses, they noted that FCC staff has relevant experience from handling similar issues in the 2.5 GHz auction.
Specific Requested Changes to the Draft Order
PK requested several specific changes to the draft order:
Dispute Legal Finding in Footnote 162: PK strongly disagreed with the legal conclusion that a simultaneous auction and TLW would violate Section 309(j)(3)(E)(ii). They argued there is little evidence that setting aside lands for a TLW would negatively impact bidding plans and that this broad finding would unnecessarily restrict the FCC in future auctions.
Correct Footnote 149: PK noted a technical inaccuracy in the footnote, which described the 2.5 GHz window as the first outside of broadcast services. They clarified that the mechanisms used to avoid auctions in the broadcast context could also be applied to other wireless services.
Alternative Language if No TLW is Adopted: In response to a claim by CTIA (noted in footnote 158) that carriers are serving Tribal lands—a claim PK says is disputed by many Tribes—they proposed an alternative. If the FCC declines to create a TLW, it should, at a minimum, use strong language reminding carriers of their responsibility to serve Tribal lands and state that the FCC will monitor build-out and is prepared to impose penalties like forced partitions or "use or lose" conditions for failure to do so.
Additional Matters: The "Delete, Delete, Delete" Proceeding (GN Docket 25-133)
PK also previewed comments they intend to file regarding the "Delete, Delete, Delete" proceeding. They expressed serious concern that the proposed delegation of authority to the Chair to eliminate rules would prevent impacted parties from obtaining timely judicial review. Because decisions made on delegated authority would take effect immediately, and parties must first exhaust administrative remedies, PK fears the Chair could block court challenges by simply not acting on an application for review. They argue this would undermine the FCC's bipartisan structure and consolidate excessive power in the Chair's office.
Source: [NOTICE OF EXPARTE, Public Knowledge, https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/1071562110420/1]
Ak-Chin Indian Community
Proceeding(s): RM-12003
Date: This filing is a written submission dated July 15, 2025, and does not document a meeting.
Date Disseminated: July 16, 2025
Participants:
Author: Ak-Chin Indian Community, via Chairman Gabriel Lopez.
Recipient: Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Copied: Ak-Chin Indian Community Council; Roman Orona, Ak-Chin Environmental Programs Manager; Sandra Shade, Ak-Chin Planning Director; Elaine Peters, Him-Dak Museum Director; Tracy Wind, Ak-Chin Cultural Resources Specialist; Katosha Nakai, Strickland & Strickland, P.C.
Summary of Discussion:
In a formal letter to the FCC, the Ak-Chin Indian Community expressed its strong opposition to proposed changes that would remove National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review requirements for wireless infrastructure projects. The proceeding, under consideration by the FCC's Wireless Bureau and the Office of Native Affairs and Policy, was initiated in response to advocacy from CTIA, The Wireless Association, which argued that removing these requirements would expedite wireless deployments.
The Ak-Chin Indian Community argued that while it supports the expansion of wireless and broadband access, particularly in tribal areas, eliminating NEPA and the related National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 consultation process would be detrimental. The Community stated that these regulations are vital for Tribal Nations to protect sacred sites, burial grounds, traditional cultural places, ancestral trails, and ecologically sensitive areas that are often unknown to outside developers.
The letter emphasizes that removing these protective processes would undermine the ability of tribes to stay informed and engaged in decisions that directly affect their cultural and spiritual heritage. The Community asserted that streamlining infrastructure deployment without "full, prior, and meaningful consultation" with tribal governments would violate the federal government's trust responsibility and the fundamental government-to-government relationship.
The Ak-Chin Indian Community urged the FCC to maintain the existing NEPA and Section 106 processes, ensuring that tribal input is actively sought and incorporated from the earliest stages of project planning. The letter concludes by stating that administrative efficiency should not override the FCC's legal and moral obligations to Tribal Nations.
Source: [NOTICE OF EXPARTE, Ak-Chin Indian Community, https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/107152602813816/1]
NCTA - The Internet & Television Association
Proceeding(s): 21-479, 17-97, 13-5, 10-90, 04-36
Date of Meeting: July 14, 2025
Date Disseminated: July 16, 2025
Participants:
Meeting with: Jodi Griffin, Michele Berlove, Allison Baker, Irina Asoskov, and Melissa Kirkel of the Wireline Competition Bureau.
Representing Filers: Audrey Mikula (Charter Communications), Stephanie Power (Comcast Corp.), Nneka Adibe (Cox Enterprises, Inc.), and Pam Arluk and Steve Morris (NCTA – The Internet & Television Association).
Summary of Discussion:
The participants discussed NCTA's letter from June 11, 2025, which addresses the transition to IP-based voice services. NCTA and its members urged the Commission to take proactive steps, such as convening a public workshop, to address the remaining issues hindering the full completion of the IP Transition for voice services. They emphasized that delays in this transition negatively impact the effectiveness of other critical FCC policies, specifically those concerning call authentication (robocall mitigation) and the deployment of Next Generation 911 (NG911) services. The discussion focused on the need for the Commission to facilitate a path forward to resolve these outstanding IP transition matters.
Source: [NOTICE OF EXPARTE, NCTA - The Internet & Television Association, https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/1071695989496/1]
International Brotherhood of Teamsters, FUSE Media, Center for American Rights
Proceeding(s): 24-275
Date of Meeting: June 15, 2025
Date Disseminated: July 16, 2025
Participants:
David R. Goodfriend (I Street Advocates), on behalf of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 399 (Teamsters) and Fuse Media (FUSE)
Daniel Suhr, on behalf of the Center for American Rights
Krista Senell, Chief of Staff and Senior Counsel, Office of Commissioner Olivia Trusty (FCC)
Jessica Kinsey, Acting Legal Advisor, Office of Commissioner Olivia Trusty (FCC)
Summary of Discussion:
Representatives for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, FUSE Media, and the Center for American Rights met with staff from Commissioner Olivia Trusty's office to discuss proposed public interest conditions for the pending Skydance Media and Paramount Global transaction. The groups argued that the FCC's strength as an institution is enhanced when it incorporates stakeholder views into its actions.
Each organization presented distinct proposed merger conditions:
International Brotherhood of Teamsters (Teamsters): Represented by David R. Goodfriend, the Teamsters proposed a condition to protect jobs at CBS owned-and-operated (O&O) stations. The proposal would require "New Paramount" to maintain, for a term of eight years, the number of full-time employees at each station at or above the level recorded on July 7, 2024. The condition specifies that this requirement cannot be met by using contractors, temporary workers, or by reassigning duties to part-time or freelance workers. To prevent circumvention, the proposal prohibits consolidating operations across stations, outsourcing work, or reclassifying employees to reduce hours or benefits. The merged entity would be required to file annual compliance certifications with the FCC.
FUSE Media: Also represented by Mr. Goodfriend, FUSE advocated for a condition to promote independent programming. This proposal would require "New Paramount" to set aside a fixed percentage of programming on its streaming platforms for content from independent sources. This content must be acquired under non-discriminatory prices, terms, and conditions.
Center for American Rights: Represented by Daniel Suhr, the Center for American Rights proposed conditions focused on localism and viewpoint diversity. The group called for increased network carriage of locally produced content from both affiliated and O&O stations. Additionally, they urged a condition requiring the recruitment of personnel from a wide range of ideological viewpoints.
Source: [NOTICE OF EXPARTE, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, FUSE Media, Center for American Rights, https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/1071645650657/1]
Competitive Carriers Association
Proceeding(s): 25-70, 25-71, 13-185, 25-117
Date of Meeting: July 16, 2025 (via written submission)
Date Disseminated: July 16, 2025
Participants: The ex parte communication was a letter from Angela Simpson (General Counsel/SVP Legal & Regulatory Affairs) and Alexandra Mays (Assistant General Counsel & Director, Regulatory Affairs) of the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA). The letter was addressed to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary of the Federal Communications Commission, and copied to Chairman Brendan Carr, Commissioner Anna Gomez, Commissioner Olivia Trusty, Arpan Sura, Edyael Casaperalta, and Will Holloway of the FCC.
Summary of Discussion:
In a written ex parte submission, the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) argued that the FCC must update its small business bidding credit thresholds for the upcoming AWS-3 Auction 113 to account for inflation and current market realities. CCA contends that the proposed thresholds, which are based on 2015 rules, are outdated and will exclude legitimate small and rural carriers from participating meaningfully in the auction.
The core arguments presented by CCA are:
Outdated Thresholds: The proposed revenue thresholds of $55 million for small businesses and $20 million for very small businesses were established in 2015. CCA calculates that due to inflation, $55 million in 2015 is equivalent to over $73 million today. Consequently, a carrier could be disqualified from small business status due to revenue growth driven solely by inflation, without any actual expansion of its operations.
Negative Impact on Competition: Failing to adjust the thresholds will lead to fewer businesses qualifying for bidding credits. This will reduce competitive pressure in the auction, increase the concentration of spectrum licenses in the hands of the largest national providers, and run contrary to the Communications Act's mandate to avoid excessive license concentration. CCA highlights recent concerns from the Department of Justice about the "risks to future competition" and how industry consolidation enables large carriers to "dramatically outbid independent rivals for spectrum."
Proposed Solution - Inflation Indexing: CCA urges the FCC to adopt inflation-indexed definitions for small and very small businesses. Specifically, they propose that the revenue thresholds be set at the time of each auction's public notice, using the July 2015 figures ($55 million for small businesses, $20 million for very small businesses) as a benchmark and adjusting them annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). CCA notes that this is a standard and non-burdensome practice used elsewhere in federal policy, and it would provide much-needed predictability for small and rural carriers to plan investments.
Increase Bidding Credit Percentages: In addition to indexing the revenue thresholds, CCA argues that the FCC should also increase the proposed bidding credit percentages themselves. They state that years of high inflation have eroded the buying power of small businesses, and stronger credits are necessary to provide them with the tools to compete effectively.
Benefits of Bidding Credits: CCA asserts that bidding credits have been shown to increase overall auction revenues, benefiting the American taxpayer, while simultaneously supporting a more competitive market.
In conclusion, CCA strongly warns that without these adjustments, the FCC will sideline the very innovators and rural providers that Congress intended to empower, undermining competition and connectivity for underserved communities.
Source: [NOTICE OF EXPARTE, Competitive Carriers Association, https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/10716204867566/1]
Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA)
Proceeding(s): 25-166, 25-157, 25-180, 18-295, 17-183, 20-443, 22-352
Date of Meeting: July 14, 2025
Date Disseminated: July 16, 2025
Participants:
Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA):
Stephanie Joyce, Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President
Karina Perez, Director of the CCIA Space & Spectrum Policy Center
Michael Marn, Senior Manager of Federal Affairs
Federal Communications Commission (FCC):
Commissioner Olivia Trusty
William Holloway, Acting Legal Advisor to Commissioner Trusty
Summary of Discussion:
Representatives from the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) met with Commissioner Olivia Trusty and her advisor to discuss CCIA's telecommunications advocacy, focusing on spectrum policy, satellite broadband, network security, and the Universal Service Fund (USF).
The discussion began with an overview of CCIA's advocacy and the recent establishment of its Space & Spectrum Policy Center in March 2025. CCIA expressed broad support for maximizing the commercial use of spectrum for broadband services, emphasizing the importance of protecting existing services from harmful interference. Specifically, they reiterated their support for unlicensed spectrum, the FCC's efforts to expand the use of the 6 GHz, Lower 12 GHz (12.2-12.7 GHz), and Upper 12 GHz (12.7-13.25 GHz) bands, and the reauthorization of the Commission's spectrum auction authority.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to satellite-related dockets, particularly SB 25-157 (Modernizing Spectrum Sharing for Satellite Broadband) and SB 25-180 (Satellite Spectrum Abundance), in which CCIA intends to file comments. Key points included:
Benefits of LEO Broadband: CCIA argued that Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services are crucial for closing the digital divide, capable of reaching 43.7 million unserved Americans and potentially boosting U.S. GDP by over $29 billion annually. They also highlighted the critical role of satellite connectivity in providing emergency communications during natural disasters.
Regulatory Modernization: Karina Perez of CCIA noted that some current FCC rules, such as those concerning satellite signal transmission angles, limit service footprints and should be modernized.
Space Sustainability and Security: CCIA stated that its member companies are actively working, both independently and cooperatively, on space sustainability and security. This includes consulting with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on orbital debris, and with the Department of Defense (DoD) on strengthening network security. They pointed to industry best practices, like those from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, which focus on safe deorbiting, collision avoidance, and data sharing.
International Leadership: CCIA stressed the importance of U.S. leadership at the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27), noting that space-related issues are a primary focus. They mentioned that equivalent power-flux density (EPFD) limits were discussed at WRC-23 without a consensus, making U.S. engagement vital to preserve the nation's leadership in space deployment.
Regarding network security, the CCIA expressed its intention to file comments in GN Docket No. 25-166 (Protecting Our Communications Networks by Promoting Transparency Regarding Foreign Adversary Control). They expressed their support for the Commission's proposed disclosure and certification rules, which aim to protect U.S. networks from foreign adversaries.
Finally, CCIA raised its interest in potential updates to the Universal Service Fund (USF) to ensure continued broadband deployment. Commissioner Trusty affirmed the Commission's commitment to supporting broadband access, particularly in remote areas and on Tribal lands.
Source: [NOTICE OF EXPARTE, Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/1071673814729/1]