3/21. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted and released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding interoperability in the lower 700 MHz bands.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski wrote in his statement that "Since the completion of the 700 MHz auction in 2008, we have seen the emergence of two non-interoperable band classes for devices. This was an unanticipated development, and it is having consequences that raise real concerns."

This NPRM proposes no rules. It is in the nature of an inquiry that is intended to prompt AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and others to develop interoperability on their own.

FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn wrote in her statement that she wants either an industry solution, or an FCC mandate, by the end of the year.

Background. The FCC auctioned this spectrum in early 2008, as part of Auction 73. See, stories titled "FCC Closes 700 MHz Auction" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,734, March 20, 2008, and "FCC Releases Details of 700 MHz Auction" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,735, March 24, 2008.

AT&T and Verizon Wireless (VW) acquired most of the lower 700 MHz spectrum. Smaller companies acquired smaller slices. AT&T's winning bids in Auction 73 totaled over $6 Billion. VW's winning bids totaled more than $9 Billion. All bids totaled over $19 Billion.

The smaller companies have complained to the FCC that AT&T and VW have developed two distinct band classes, without interoperability, and that this has harmed their ability to develop their spectrum, and diminished consumer choice.

For example, there is now one version of Apple's iPad that works only with AT&T's service, and another that works only with VW's. Apple stated in a March 19 release regarding its latest iPad that "4G LTE is supported only on AT&T and Verizon networks in the U.S."

For a comparison of the two offerings, see for example, March 15, 2012, CNET story titled "AT&T vs. Verizon, 4G LTE networks battle it out", by Lynn La.

A group called the 700 MHz Block A Good Faith Purchaser Alliance filed a Petition for Rulemaking with the FCC on September 29, 2009. The members are Cellular South, Cavalier Wireless, Continuum 700, and King Street Wireless. The FCC assigned the number RM-11592. (The FCC has terminated this with the opening of this rulemaking proceeding, which is WT Docket No. 12-69.)

The lower 700 MHz band spectrum is located at 698-746 MHz. It consists of three blocks of 12 megahertz each of paired spectrum -- Lower A, B, and C Blocks -- and two blocks of 6 megahertz each of unpaired spectrum --Lower D and E Blocks. The Lower A Block is adjacent to Channel 51, at 692-698 MHz, which has been allocated for TV broadcast operations at power levels of up to 1000 kW.

Filings with the FCC by AT&T and VW on this issue assert that the potential for harmful interference is the cause of this lack of interoperability.

The upper 700 MHz spectrum includes the infamous upper D Block, which the FCC attempted but failed to auction in 2008. The just enacted incentive auction legislation reallocated the upper D Block -- 10 megahertz of paired spectrum at 758-763 MHz and 788-793 MHz -- for an interoperable public safety broadband network. See, HR 3630 [LOC | WW], the "Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012", and stories titled "Obama Signs Spectrum Bill into Law" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 2,345, February 23, 2012, and "House and Senate Pass Spectrum Bill" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 2,340, February 18, 2012. That act is now Public Law No. 112-96.

FCC NPRM. The just released NPRM states that "Since the completion of the 700 MHz auction and the subsequent clearing of the spectrum, however, certain Lower 700 MHz A Block licensees have asserted that the development of two distinct band classes within the Lower 700 MHz band has hampered their ability to have meaningful access to a wide range of advanced devices. The result, they argue, is that this spectrum is being built out less quickly than anticipated (and in some cases not at all), so that a large number of Lower 700 MHz A Block licensees are unable to provide the level of service and degree of competition envisioned at the close of the auction and as contemplated by the Communications Act. The 700 MHz band, at 70 megahertz, one of the largest commercial mobile service bands, is the only non-interoperable commercial mobile service band." (Parentheses in original. Footnote omitted.)

This NPRM contains no proposed rules. Nor does it offer a description of a proposed mandate. Rather, it merely states that "we initiate this rulemaking proceeding to promote interoperability".

The NPRM states that "We will evaluate whether the customers of Lower 700 MHz B and C Block licensees would experience harmful interference -- and if so, to what degree -- if the Lower 700 MHz band were interoperable."

The NPRM adds, "We also explore the next steps should we find that interoperability would cause limited or no harmful interference to Lower 700 MHz B and C Block licensees, or that such interference can reasonably be mitigated through industry efforts and/or through modifications to the Commission's technical rules or other regulatory measures."

Statements by Commissioners. FCC Chairman Genachowski wrote in his statement that "I hope and expect that industry will take the lead in developing an interoperability solution to allow for additional deployment of mobile broadband networks and increase the choice of providers available to consumers. An industry-led solution would be the preferable solution, and multiple stakeholders have indicated that a unified band class can be win-win if interference concerns are addressed. Of course, we are launching this proceeding because no solution has been reached yet and we will be closely monitoring progress in addition to developing a record as part of this proceeding."

FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell wrote in his statement that "Although I support today's action, I hope that all interested parties will come to the negotiating table and work in good faith to develop their own solution. Government mandates should be a last resort."

He added that "we might not be here today were it not for earlier mandates handed down in July of 2007 from which I dissented." See, McDowell's statement [6 pages in PDF] dissenting in part from the FCC's Second Report and Order [312 pages in PDF], which adopted service rules for the 700 MHz auction. The FCC adopted that order on July 31, 2007, and released the text on August 10, 2007. It is FCC 07-132.

FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn (at right) wrote in her statement that when the FCC wrote service rules for the 700 MHz spectrum in 2007, it "did not anticipate there would be a standard setting process, which would divide the lower 700 MHz band, and would impede the ability of devices for A Block licenses to work on B Block and C Block networks."

She wrote that "This lack of interoperability means fewer device and service choices for consumers. Fewer competitive options result in higher prices."

The FCC's "failure to anticipate this particular anticompetitive development means the Commission needs to move as quickly as possible to achieve true interoperability".

She also stated that "the industry has already had more than four years to find a solution. This industry knows how to arrive at interoperability." She added that "until the splintering of the lower 700 MHz band occurred, the entire mobile wireless industry had been operating with the understanding that this Commission expects interoperability within all spectrum bands."

"This NPRM provides sufficient notice about the rules the Commission might adopt if the industry does not achieve true interoperability across the lower 700 MHz band".

She concluded, "I look forward to an industry solution, or the adoption of rules, by the end of this calendar year."

This NPRM is FCC 12-31 in WT Docket No. 12-69. Initial comments will be due within 60 days of publication of a notice in the Federal Register (FR). Reply comments will be due within 105 days of such publication.

3/21. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted and released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding interoperability in the lower 700 MHz bands. AT&T responded by criticizing proposals for an FCC interoperability mandate. Others, including holders of smaller amounts of this spectrum, argued that the FCC should impose such a mandate.

AT&T's Joan Marsh stated in a release on March 21 that "interference challenges" have "prevented both deployment and interoperability in the lower 700 MHz band".

"These challenges are well-documented and real. The high power broadcasts that are permitted in channel 51 and in the lower E-block create the potential for significant technical and deployment impediments in the neighboring lower 700 MHz blocks."

Marsh argued that "Some have argued that the technical and physical limitations of the band should simply be ignored, and have called for sweeping interoperability mandates. Such mandates would be an unprecedented regulatory intrusion into a carrier’s right to manage network and device deployment in a manner best suited to serve its customers."

She also asserted that "Such mandates would defy the consensus-driven 3GPP standards process that has standardized the band in a manner meant to address the real interference challenges present there.  And such mandates would do nothing to resolve the very serious limitations that act as a prohibition on lower A-block deployment in over 30 markets nationwide."

3GPP is the 3rd Generation Partnership Project.

The Rural Cellular Association (RCA) has been active in submitting filings with, and meeting with staff of, the FCC, on behalf of members that own smaller slices of the lower 700 MHz spectrum.

The RCA stated in a release on March 21 that "voluntary efforts to resolve these interference claims are not sufficient to facilitate the development of devices in the Lower 700 MHz spectrum band. An FCC requirement is necessary to prevent AT&T from further using its monopsony power to impede Lower A Block licensees from deploying 4G LTE mobile broadband throughout the U.S. An interoperability requirement will greatly benefit consumers, encourage mobile carriers to build out their networks, and help restore competition to the market."

Steve Berry, head of the RCA, stated in this release that RCA members "are unable to build out their networks and compete with others moving to 4G/LTE because of a lack of interoperability".

The Public Knowledge's (PK) Harold Feld stated in a release that "We are pleased the FCC has started down the path to help consumers by furthering competition. Consumers should be able to use expensive smartphones operating on the newest, fastest, spectrum bands on any carrier's service, and not have to buy another phone if they change companies."

The Free Press's Matt Wood stated in a release that "We hope and trust that the process begun today will lead to sensible interoperability requirements for the Lower 700 MHz band and beyond. Such rules could address any legitimate technical issues but should still prevent AT&T and Verizon from dividing this prime mobile broadband spectrum into exclusive technological enclaves. Waiting for the wireless industry to solve this problem on its own seems a vain exercise when we have already been waiting four years for such solutions, and none have been forthcoming from these duopoly providers."

He wrote that "Manufacturers like Apple produce two incompatible versions of the same product for the U.S. market -- an AT&T-only iPad and a Verizon-only iPad -- that have different types of radios built into them. Unwilling to bank solely on their ability to lock down customers and handsets by means of exclusive contracts, AT&T and Verizon have used their market clout to hardwire exclusivity into the devices."

Wood argued that "A large part of LTE's promise was the unification of technical standards. Those standards should give consumers the chance to switch providers without discarding their old phones or tablets, and give more carriers the chance to compete by offering cutting-edge devices."

3/21. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry ((NPRM and NOI) [84 pages in PDF] regarding allowing more flexible use of 40 MHz of spectrum currently assigned to the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) in the 2 GHz band.

The NPRM contains proposed rules changes that would facilitate the use of this spectrum for terrestrial mobile broadband. This NPRM proposes that the 2000-2020 MHz and 2180-2200 MHz spectrum bands be hereafter called "AWS-4".

This item also includes a NOI regarding a National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) proposal to reallocate 1695-1710 MHz from federal to commercial use.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski wrote in his statement that "With this item, we are moving to free up 40 MHz of 2 GHz spectrum for mobile broadband". He added that "Today's NPRM proposes freeing up spectrum by removing regulatory barriers and providing for flexible use of MSS spectrum. The specific barriers we propose to remove are rules that have limited this spectrum to satellite use."

In 1997 the FCC reallocated 70 megahertz of spectrum in the 2 GHz band to Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), a service involving transmission between mobile earth stations and one or more space stations. However, there remains little use of this spectrum.

In 2010 the Dish Network received approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court (SDNY) to acquire spectrum from two bankrupt spectrum licensees -- DBSD Satellite Services and TerreStar. Dish has stated in filings with the FCC that it wants to use this spectrum to build a nationwide broadband network.

The FCC's International Bureau (IB) approved the license transfer applications. However, the IB denied requests for waivers of MSS/ATC rules. See, March 2, 2012, FCC/IB order.

AT&T, for example, had argued that any conversion of the 2 GHz MSS band to terrestrial broadband operations should be conducted through rulemaking, not an ad hoc waiver process. See, AT&T's November 3, 2011, filing.

The just released NPRM pertains to allowing Dish to use this spectrum for terrestrial broadband.

The Public Knowledge's (PK) Harold Feld stated in a release that the FCC "is encouraging broadband competition by opening up terrestrial satellite spectrum for another potential competitor to help consumers".

The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) stated in a release that "The rulemaking today comes after the FCC faced incumbent carrier pressure to deny a routine waiver earlier this month that would have allowed Dish to deploy mobile handsets that didn't talk to satellite transmitters -- just ground towers. The waiver would have allowed Dish to develop the handsets and deploy them more cheaply to customers, making them a more viable competitor to Verizon and AT&T whose handsets also just talk to ground towers."

Cathy Sloan of the CCIA stated that "The FCC needs to move expeditiously on this proceeding -- because by definition it is slowing down competition in the form of new competitive entry into this marketplace. We can appreciate the pressure the FCC is under from those that don't want more competition, and would rather force Dish into less favorable arrangements with existing providers."

See also, the CCIA's November 3, 2011, filing with the FCC.

AT&T Bob Quinn stated in a release on March 21 that "We are encouraged by the Commission's action today to facilitate mobile internet use in the 2 GHz band. The events of the last two years have made clear that the challenges associated with finding additional spectrum for commercial use are significant."

Quinn added that "Without additional spectrum in the hands of internet infrastructure companies, consumers will not be able to realize all the mobile internet has to offer. It is therefore imperative that the Commission expeditiously work to free up additional spectrum and unlock the value in bands that are currently under-utilized because of interference or service rule limitations."

Christopher McCabe of the CTIA stated in a release that "CTIA commends the FCC for taking steps to bring the 2 GHz Mobile Satellite Spectrum to market for mobile wireless broadband services."

He added that the "CTIA has long called for the FCC to open a rulemaking as the next step in determining how the 2 GHz spectrum should be most effectively deployed. CTIA and our members look forward to working with the Commission to find ways to harness this underutilized spectrum to benefit the nation's wireless consumers."

The FCC also issued a release that describes this item. See also, statement by FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell, and statement by FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. This item is FCC 12-32 in WT Docket No. 12-70, ET Docket No. 10-142, and WT Docket No. 04-356. Initial comments will be due within 30 days of publication of a notice in the Federal Register (FR). Reply comments will be due within 45 days of such publication.

3/21. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski announced the formation of an "Incentive Auction Task Force", and named Ruth Milkman its head.

Genachowski wrote in a statement that "Implementing incentive auction authority involves most of the Bureaus and Offices at the" FCC.

An incentive auction provides for the sharing of spectrum auction proceeds with the licensees, such as TV broadcasters, who voluntarily relinquish that spectrum.

The Congress passed legislation in February that gave the FCC incentive auction authority. It was contained within HR 3630 [LOC | WW], the "Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012".

See also, stories titled "Obama Signs Spectrum Bill into Law" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 2,345, February 23, 2012, "House and Senate Pass Spectrum Bill" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 2,340, February 18, 2012, and "House and Senate Negotiators Reach Agreement on Spectrum Legislation" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 2,339, February 17, 2012.

3/21. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced that former Senator Gordon Smith "has agreed to a five-year contract extension that keeps him at the helm of NAB through 2016". See, NAB release.

3/9. Todd Park was named U.S. Chief Technology Officer. See, White House news office release.

The House will meet at 9:00 AM for legislative business. See, Rep. Cantor's schedule for the week, and schedule for the day.

The Senate will meet at 9:30 AM. It will resume consideration of HR 3606 [LOC | WW], the "Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act" or "JOBS Act", a bill to reduce regulatory barriers to capital formation by small and start up companies. See, story titled "Summary of HR 3606" and related stories in TLJ Daily E-Mail No. 2,351, March 19, 2012. The Senate is scheduled to vote on amendments, including a version of the CROWDFUND Act, and final passage. See, story titled "Senators Introduce CROWDFUND Act As Stand Alone Bill" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 2,350, March 19, 2012. The Senate is also scheduled to vote on the nominations of Rudolph Contreras (to be a Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia), Ronnie Abrams (USDC/SDNY), and David Nuffer (USDC/DUtah).

9:00 AM. The House Intelligence Committee (HIC) will hold a closed hearing titled "Ongoing Intelligence Activities". See, notice. Location: Room HVC-304, Capitol Visitor Center.

9:00 AM. The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) will meet. See, Public Notice (DA 12-333), and notice in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 39, Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at Page 12054. Location: FCC, Commission Meeting Room, Room TW-C305, 445 12th St., SW.

10:00 AM. The House Financial Services Committee's (HFSC) Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit will hold a hearing titled "The Future of Money: How Mobile Payments Could Change Financial Services". See, notice. Location: Room 2128, Rayburn Building.

10:00 AM. The Senate Judiciary Committee (SJC) will hold an executive business meeting. The agenda again includes consideration of the nominations of Richard Taranto to be a Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals (FedCir), Robin Rosenbaum to be a Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida , and Gershwin Drain to be a Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The SJC will webcast this event. Location: Room 226, Dirksen Building.

10:00 AM. The Senate Appropriations Committee (SAC) will hold a hearing on the FY 2013 budget for the Department of Commerce (DOC). Secretary of Commerce John Bryson will testify. Location: Room 192, Dirksen Building.

10:00 AM - 12:00 NOON. The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) will host a panel discussion titled "Chinese Telecom Investment in the U.S.: Weighing Economic Benefits and Security Risks". The speakers will be Claude Barfield (AEI), Theodore Moran (Georgetown University), Derek Scissors (Heritage Foundation), and Timothy Keeler (Mayer Brown). See, notice. The AEI will webcast this event. Location: AEI, 12th floor, 1150 17th St., NW.

2:30 PM. The Senate Intelligence Committee (SIC) will hold a closed hearing. See, notice. Location: Room 219, Hart Building.

Day one of a two day event hosted by the Air Force Association (ASA) titled "Cyber Futures Conference and Technology Exposition". See, notice. Location: Gaylord National Hotel, Maryland Ballroom, 201 Waterfront St.Oxen Hill, MD.

Deadline to submit reply comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in response to its 4th Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (4thFNPRM) regarding whether it should extend the viewability rule and the HD carriage exemption, both of which are scheduled to sunset on June 12, 2012. The FCC adopted and released this 4thFNPRM on February 10, 2012. It is FCC 12-18 in CS Docket No. 98-120. See, notice in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 32, Thursday, February 16, 2012, at Pages 9187-9197.

Rep. Cantor's schedule for the week states that "no votes are expected in the House".

Supreme Court conference day. See, calendar. Closed.

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The Department of Labor's (DOL) National Advisory Committee for Labor
Provisions of U.S. Free Trade Agreements will meet. Open to the public. See, notice in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 43, Monday, March 5, 2012, at Page 13153. Location: DOL, 200 Constitution Ave.,  NW.

Day two of a two day event hosted by the Air Force Association (ASA) titled "Cyber Futures Conference and Technology Exposition". See, notice. Location: Gaylord National Hotel, Maryland Ballroom, 201 Waterfront St.Oxen Hill, MD.

Deadline to submit written statements to the U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission in connection with its March 26, 2012, hearing titled "Developments in China's Nuclear and Cyber Programs". See, notice in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 49, Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at Pages 14859-14860.

9:00 AM - 2:30 PM. The DC Bar Association will host an event titled "Youth Law Fair. Privacy Awareness: Managing Social Media Networks". This free event is intended for students and parents. Registration closed by early February. The speakers will be Judge Melvin Wright (DC Superior Court), Curtis Etherly (Coca-Cola), and Marsali Hankcock (iKeepSafe). See, DC Bar notice and registration page. For more information, call 202-626-3463. The DC Bar has a history of barring reporters from its events. Location: DC Superior Court, Room 3300, 500 Indiana Ave., NW.

The House will meet. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 PM.

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission will hold a hearing titled "Developments in China's Nuclear and Cyber Programs". The deadline to submit written statements is March 23. See, notice in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 49, Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at Pages 14859-14860. Location: Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA.

POSTPONED. 12:30 - 2:00 PM. The Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) will host a brown bag lunch titled "The Impact of the New Legislation on Public Safety Communications". Location: Harris Corporation, Suite 850E, 600 Maryland Ave., SW.

5:00 PM. Deadline to submit comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in response to its request for comments in its wide ranging private sector data privacy inquiry. The NTIA seeks comments regarding "substantive consumer data privacy issues that warrant the development of legally enforceable codes of conduct, as well as procedures to foster the development of these codes". See, notice in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 43, Monday, March 5, 2012, at Pages 13098-13101.

Extended deadline to submit reply comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Census Block Eligibility Challenges to the FCC's February 2, 2012, Public Notice (DA 12-121) regarding Auction 901 (AU Docket No. 12-25), scheduled to begin on September 27, 2012. This is the FCC's reverse auction to give $300 Million in universal service subsidies to carriers that commit to provide 3G or better mobile voice and broadband services where such service is unavailable. The FCC calls this expansion of universal service programs "Mobility Fund Phase I Support". See also, FCC's February 2, 2012, Public Notice (DA 12-121), and notice in the Federal Register (FR), Vol. 77, No. 28, Friday, February 10, 2012, at Pages 7152-7162; FCC's February 10, 2012, Public Notice (DA 12-187), and notice in the FR, Vol. 77, No. 33, Friday, February 17, 2012, at Pages 9655-9656; and FCC's February 16, 2012, Public Notice (DA 12-236) extending comment deadlines, extension notice in the FR, Vol. 77, No. 37, Friday, February 24, 2012, at Pages 11115-11116.

Deadline to submit nominations to the Department of Commerce's (DOC) International Trade Administration (ITA) for membership on the U.S.-India CEO Forum. See, notice in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 28, Friday, February 10, 2012, at Pages 7132-7133. This notice does not set a deadline date. Rather it states, "45 days after publication of this Notice".

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Day one of a two day meeting of the Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Scientific Computing Advisory Committee (ASCAC). The agenda includes an update on Exascale computing and the Magellan Report for Cloud Computing in Science [170 pages in PDF]. See, notice in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 42, Friday, March 2, 2012, at Page 12823. Location: American Geophysical Union (AGU), 2000 Florida Ave., NW.

10:00 AM. The House Commerce Committee's (HCC) Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a hearing titled "IT Supply Chain Security: Review of Government and Industry Efforts". See, notice. Location: Room 2123, Rayburn Building.

10:00 AM. The House Science Committee's (HSC) Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation will hold a hearing titled "Fostering the U.S. Competitive Edge". See, notice. Location: Room 2318, Rayburn Building.

10:00 AM. The Senate Judiciary Committee's (SJC) Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security will hold a hearing titled "The Economic Imperative for Promoting International Travel to the United States". The SJC will webcast this event. See, notice. Location: Room 226, Dirksen Building.

12:15 - 1:45 PM. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will host a lunch will host an event titled "The Road Ahead for Spectrum". It will address the spectrum provisions of HR 3630, [LOC | WW], which President Obama signed into law on February 22, 2012. See, stories titled "House and Senate Negotiators Reach Agreement on Spectrum Legislation", "Summary of Spectrum Bill", and "Reaction to Spectrum Bill" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 2,339, February 17, 2012, and story titled "Obama Signs Spectrum Bill into Law" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 2,345, February 23, 2011. The speakers will be Bill Lake (Chief of the FCC's Media Bureau), Rick Kaplan (Chief of the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau), Jennifer Manner (Deputy Chief of the FCC's Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau), Karl Nebbia (Associate Administrator of the NTIA's Office of Spectrum Management), and Mark Brennan (Hogan Lovells). The price to attend is $17. Lunch will be served. Registrations and cancellations due by 12:00 NOON on Friday, March 23, 2012. The FCBA states that this is an FCBA event. Location: Wiley Rein, 1776 K St., NW.

2:00 PM. The House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) will meet to mark up bills, including HR 3605 [LOC | WW], the "Global Online Freedom Act of 2011". See, notice. Location: Room 2172, Rayburn Building.

2:30 PM. The Senate Intelligence Committee (SIC) will hold a closed hearing. See, notice. Location: Room 219, Hart Building.

6:00 - 9:15 PM. The DC Bar Association will host an event titled "How to Protect and Enforce Trademark Rights". The speakers will be Steven Hollman (Hogan Lovells) and Shauna Wertheim (Marbury Law Group). The price to attend ranges from $89 to $129. CLE credits. See, notice. For more information, call 202-626-3488. The DC Bar has a history of barring reporters from its events. Location: DC Bar Conference Center, 1101 K St., NW.

9:00 - 10:30 AM. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) will host a panel discussion titled "Transforming Higher Education with IT". The speakers will be Robert Atkinson (ITIF), Stephen Ruth (George Mason University's School of Public Policy), and Steve Crawford (George Washington University's Institute of Public Policy). See, notice. Location: ITIF/ITIC: Suite 610, 1101 K St., NW.

9:00 AM - 12:00 NOON. Day two of a two day meeting of the Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Scientific Computing Advisory Committee (ASCAC). The agenda includes an update on Exascale computing and the Magellan Report for Cloud Computing in Science [170 pages in PDF]. See, notice in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 42, Friday, March 2, 2012, at Page 12823. Location: American Geophysical Union (AGU), 2000 Florida Ave., NW.

10:00 AM. The House Judiciary Committee (HJC) will meet to mark up several bills, including HR 4216 [LOC | WW], the "Foreign Counterfeit Prevention Act", and HR  3668 [LOC | WW], the "Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act of 2011". See, notice. Location: Room 2141, Rayburn Building.

10:00 AM. The House Commerce Committee's (HCC) Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will hold a hearing titled "Cybersecurity: Threats to Communications Networks and Public-Sector Responses". See, notice. Location: Room 2322, Rayburn Building.

10:00 AM. The House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) will hold a hearing titled "Investigating the Chinese Threat, Part One: Military and Economic Aggression". The witnesses will be Dean Cheng (Heritage Foundation), John Tkacik (International Assessment and Strategy Center), and Larry Wortzel (Commissioner, US-China Economic and Security Review Commission). See, notice. Location: Room 2172, Rayburn Building.

12:15 - 1:30 PM. The Federal Communications Bar Association's (FCBA) Homeland Security and Emergency Communications Committee will host a lunch. The speaker will be Jamie Barnett, Chief of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Registration is required by Wednesday, March 21. Location: Monet Ballroom, L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, 480 L'Enfant Plaza, SW.

1:00 - 2:00 PM. The National Science Foundation's (NSF) National Science Board's (NSB) Committee on Strategy and Budget Task Force on Data Policies will meet to discuss "data policies". The meeting will be teleconferenced. See, notice in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 50, Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at Page 15141. Location: Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 50, Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at Page 15141. Location: 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA.

1:00 - 4:00 PM. The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Technological Advisory Council will meet. See, notice in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 42, Friday, March 2, 2012, at Page 12839. Location: FCC, 445 12th St.,  SW.

2:00 PM. The House Appropriations Committee's (HAC) Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government will hold a hearing on the FY 2013 budget for the Judiciary. See, notice. Location: Room 2359, Rayburn Building.

2:30 PM. The Senate Judiciary Committee (SJC) will hold a hearing titled "Nominations". See, notice. The SJC will webcast this event. Location: Room 226, Dirksen Building.

2:30 PM. The House Foreign Affairs Committee's (HFAC) Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a hearing titled "The Price of Public Diplomacy with China". The witnesses will be Steven Mosher (Population Research Institute), Kai Chen, and Greg Autry. See, notice. Location: Room 2172, Rayburn Building.

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM. The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) North American Numbering Council (NANC) will meet. See, notice in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 42, Friday, March 2, 2012, at Pages 12839-12840. Location: Room 5-C162, FCC, 445 12th St., SW.

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) Technology Advisory Committee will meet. The agenda includes "automated and high frequency trading, final recommendations of the subcommittee on data standardization, and market structure and technology issues relating to credit limit checks". Written comments are due by March 28. See, notice in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 52, Friday, March 16, 2012, at Page 15737. Location: CFTC, Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st St., NW.

1:00 PM. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (OUSTR) will hold a hearing to assist it in preparing its 2011 Annual GSP Product Review. The hearing will cover only the petitions for new products and CNL waivers that have been previously submitted and accepted for review in the 2011 GSP Annual Review. Post hearing comments are due by 5:00 PM on April 16, 2012. See, original notice in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 34, Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at Pages 10034-10036. See also, notice of change of date in the Federal Register, Vol. 77, No. 52, Friday, March 16, 2012, at Page 15841. Location: OUSTR, 600 17th St., NW.

2:30 PM. The Senate Intelligence Committee (SIC) will hold a closed hearing. See, notice. Location: Room 219, Hart Building.

TIME? The U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission will hold a hearing titled "European Union Relations and Implications for the U.S.". Location: :__.

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