There are no broadcast items on the schedule of the next FCC Open Meeting, but there may well be a matter of interest to broadcasters anyway. If things go as expected on Capitol Hill, the 5/24/12 session will include the unveiling of two brand new FCC commissioners.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has released his hold on the nominations of Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai, and a vote to confirm is expected as early as 5/7/12.
Other than that, the meeting promises to be a snoozer for broadcasters. From the FCC, here’s what’s expected to be on the agenda.
* Deployable Arial Communications Architecture Notice of Inquiry: The Commission will consider a Notice of Inquiry examining the role of deployable aerial communications architecture (DACA) in facilitating emergency response by rapidly restoring communications capabilities in the immediate aftermath of a catastrophic event.
* Medical Body Area Networks (MBANs) Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to establish service rules and an allocation for Medical Body Area Networks and seek comment on the selection of an MBAN coordinator.
* Removing Barriers to Broadband Deployment in the 800 MHz Band Report and Order: The Commission will consider a Report and Order that will provide EA-based 800 MHz licensees with the flexibility to better utilize spectrum to transition networks from legacy 2G technologies to advanced wireless technologies.
