FCC Enforcement Update, Episode 14 (Part 1): Commissioner-led Enforcement

Kelley Drye Full Spectrum

In this edition of Full Spectrum’s recurring series on FCC enforcement, Partner Steve Augustino and Senior Associate Brad Currier highlight a recent trend of FCC Commissioner taking enforcement matters into their own hands by launching investigations. While Commissioners have long used their position to bring attention to potential enforcement issues, they have recently begun directly targeting entities with detailed inquiries. Recent examples include Commissioner O’Rielly regarding E-Rate overbuilding, Commissioner Carr regarding use of educational broadband services (EBS) spectrum, and Commissioner Rosenworcel regarding the sale of customer location information by the major nationwide carriers. Steve and Brad cover all of these investigations while discussing the significance and implications of this new approach. Rosenworcel Letters: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-357278A2.pdf O'Rielly Letter: https://www.fcc.gov/document/comm-orielly-letter-superintendent-clay-cochise-county-schools