October 18, 2023 – The Senate Subcommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday approved the renomination of one member and the nomination of two members to the Federal Trade Commission.
rebecca kelly slavera Democrat who currently serves as FTC commissioner, was renominated by the committee. melissa holyoakUtah Attorney General, and andrew ferguson Two new Republican candidates, including Virginia’s attorney general, were both approved by the subcommittee.
They will now move on to a vote in the Senate.
Along with Slaughter Alvaro Bedoya Currently serves as FTC Commissioner appointed by the President. joe bidenHis term is scheduled to expire in September 2026.
“With the confirmations of Mr. Holyoak and Mr. Ferguson, the FTC will once again be bipartisan,” the senators said. Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, in opening remarks. Cruz supported all three members and said bipartisan representation on the committee is necessary for success.
Despite the support, Mr. Cruz called the FTC chairman. Lina Khan He claims it demonstrated a legally dubious purpose because it supported partisanship. “We look forward to Mr. Ferguson and Lady Holyoak acting as a necessary check on Mr. Khan,” Mr. Cruz added.
Before two republicans committee member Christy Wilson and Noah Phillips They abandoned their positions due to concerns about Mr. Khan’s leadership.
New Jersey identifies implementation issues in five-year BEAD plan
New Jersey this week announced a revised five-year action plan for broadband equity, access and deployment funding, with potential permitting delays and a shortage of communications workers as potential barriers to efficient deployment. emphasized.
Each state will be required to submit a five-year action plan detailing how to use BEAD funds, how to deploy broadband, and service gaps that need to be addressed, among other information.
Despite the fact that New Jersey plans to implement an electronic permit review system to streamline communication between permitting offices and providers, the plan is to reduce permit applications for broadband deployment following investment in BEAD. It is expected that the rate will increase.
The state notes that high permit rates in other infrastructure sectors, such as sewers and roads, are a potential hit to the system, slowing the approval of broadband permits. New Jersey plans to work with the Department of Licensing to streamline this process and make it easier for providers to become competitive regional exchangers.
New Jersey’s plan projects a shortfall of nearly 55,000 telecommunications workers by 2026, which it added “could impact timely broadband deployment.” The state said it hopes to alleviate these workforce issues by working with the Office of Labor and Apprenticeships to create apprenticeship programs to fill worker gaps.
The New Jersey Public Utilities Commission originally submitted its five-year plan in August of this year, revised it for resubmission following feedback from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and decided to make it available to the public after a unanimous vote. Agreed. board vote October 11th.
Fiber Utility Network Announces Chris Skelton as CTO
Fiber Utility Network, a coalition of electric cooperatives deploying Middle Mile Broadband across Alabama, announced Wednesday: Chris Skelton will become the new chief technology officer.
“Chris has roots in Alabama and 30 years of experience in the broadband industry. “Understanding the broadband needs of today’s environment provides deep insight into the technical, financial and operational challenges of building cutting-edge networks,” said FUN President. . Tom Stackhouse.
Mr. Skelton has worked in the broadband industry for several years, previously holding various management positions at Comcast and later as Director of Engineering Consultants for Huntsville Utilities’ fiber optic projects.
Most recently, Skelton served as chief technology officer for a national service provider that was able to launch fiber network projects through grants and private funding, the press release read.
““We are excited to help FUN provide last-mile broadband providers with robust fiber connectivity and expand service to all areas of Alabama,” Skelton said in the release.