Vertical Location Accuracy, Network Security Items Proposed for July 16 FCC Meeting

The FCC will consider rules for the vertical location accuracy of wireless calls to 911 and broadband mapping at commissioners’ July 16 meeting, as expected; see here. Also on the tentative agenda, an order addressing supply chain security and equipment from Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE.

The vertical location accuracy item affirms “our 2021 and 2023 deadlines for nationwide wireless providers to deploy z-axis technology in our nation’s most populated markets and call for full nationwide deployment by 2025,” Chairman Ajit Pai blogged Wednesday.

Commissioners will consider a declaratory ruling saying the commission’s November order satisfies provisions in the March Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act requiring the FCC to “prohibit the use of federal subsidy funds to purchase, rent, lease, or otherwise obtain or maintain any covered communications equipment or services from certain companies,” Pai said. The November order barred Huawei and ZTE equipment from networks funded by the USF and established rules that could block other providers.

The mapping item adopts “coverage reporting and disclosure requirements for fixed and mobile broadband providers, filing and certification requirements, and measures for determining the accuracy of broadband availability data,” Pai said: “It would also develop a process for engaging directly with state, local, and Tribal governments, along with consumers and other entities, to ensure that the maps are as accurate as possible.”