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FCC loses bid to cut tribal broadband subsidies
Things definitely aren't going the FCC's way this week. A federal appeals court has reversed the FCC's attempt to cut broadband subsidies in tribal lands, citing both a lack of supporting evidence as well as a lack of considerations when making the decision. The regulator didn't show how pulling the $25 Lifeline discount would lead to carriers filling the void like it claimed, according to the ruling. It also didn't acknowledge that resellers were leaving the program, and didn't factor in the potential loss of access to internet service or the wireless rollout data related to the services they use.
Microsoft helps bring broadband internet to rural tribal lands
Microsoft announced today that it is partnering with Native Network to deliver broadband internet access to unserved rural communities in Washington and Montana. The effort will reach about 73,500 people living in and around the Flathead Reservation in Montana and the lands of Lummi Nation and Swinomish Tribe in Washington.
Court blocks FCC from cutting broadband subsidies in tribal lands
The FCC has hit a snag in its plan to curb broadband subsidies for low-income homes. A DC appeals court has issued a stay order temporarily blocking the regulator from limiting the $25 monthly Lifeline subsidy in tribal lands, arguing that native groups and small carriers are likely to win their case opposing the cuts. The court agreed with plaintiffs that the FCC's move would likely lead to a "major reduction, or outright elimination" of vital communication for many tribal residents, and "substantial, unrecoverable losses" for providers that might lead to them going out of business.
Cellphone signals violating tribal lands in Canada?
When it comes to the modern design of cellular-based mobile systems, cellphone tower and handset signals transmit a full 360 degrees without regard for territory or political boundaries. Therein lies the problem; some Canadian tribes are a little miffed that cellular signals from nearby Manitoba Telecom Services are crossing into their land, over their water and into their airspace. Apparently, airspace is being likened to water usage in the logic for this argument. As these reserves and territories are being violated in some form (that's up for debate, we guess), several Manitoba chiefs are in the process of negotiating revenue-sharing agreements for these signals now. If they fall through, though, there's always signal-blocking paint.
