The FCC's proposed crackdown on video carriage agreements' most-favored nation (MFN) and alternative distribution method (ADM) provisions is being met with huzzahs from independent programmers and allies. But docket 24-115 comments last week saw multichannel video programming distributors (MVPD) argue that the more-pressing problem is big programmers forcing contractual terms. The agency's commissioners in April approved 3-2 an indie-programmer NPRM that proposed restrictions on carriage agreement terms and sought comment on bundling practices broadly (see 2404190063).

The FCC urged the 6th U.S. Circuit Appeals Court Friday to move the challenge to the FCC’s net neutrality order to the D.C. Circuit (docket 24-3450). The FCC also issued an order declining to stay the rules, which take effect July 22, pending judicial review.

DOD Chief Information Officer John Sherman, who has led the department’s work on opening the lower 3 GHz band for 5G, is leaving government for academia. He will become dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. But industry experts agree that the personnel change likely won’t prove disruptive because Leslie Beavers, principal deputy CIO, will replace Sherman on an acting basis.

ISPs and industry groups told the FCC that while competition and access remain strong in the broadband marketplace, additional regulation could harm future investment and deployment. Those views were included in feedback the FCC sought about its biannual State of Competition in the Communications Marketplace report to Congress (see 2404220050). In comments, some wireless groups urged making additional spectrum available. MVPDs and broadcasters said the FCC should recognize the increasing competition they face from streaming video and accordingly relax regulations. Comments were posted Thursday and Friday in docket 24-119.

Selection of the 6th U.S. Circuit Appeals Court to hear industry challenges to the net neutrality order may bode well for industry. Still, many questions remain, including which judges will hear the case and whether arguments are ultimately held in the Ohio-based court, industry experts said Friday.

New York will soon require social media platforms to obtain parental consent when using algorithms to sort feeds for minors.

FCC commissioners unanimously approved an NPRM Thursday proposing specific reporting requirements on the nation's largest broadband providers regarding their border gateway protocol (BGP) security practices. "What was meant to be a short-term solution developed on the sidelines of an internet engineering conference is still with us today," Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said during the commissioners' open meeting. "While BGP has allowed network operators to grow and evolve the modern internet, it was not designed with explicit security features to ensure trust in exchanged information," Rosenworcel said. Also adopted was an NPRM proposing an update of the commission's letter of credit (LOC) rules for its USF high-cost programs serving rural communities and an NPRM changing low-power TV station rules.

Google is unwilling to publicly support a kids’ social media proposal in Pennsylvania, despite the House Children and Youth Committee announcing the company’s backing Wednesday (see 2406050055).

Expect cable operators to roll out plenty of mobile wireless services in coming months, wireless and cable industry watchers tell us. However, mid-tier and regional cable operators are facing a steeper uphill climb in making such services profitable. Breezeline began offering mobile service this spring, joining the likes of Comcast, Charter Communications, Altice and Cox Communications. Mediacom said it plans a roll out of mobile service this month (see 2405210068).

The FCC on Thursday approved 3-2 a three-year, $200 million cybersecurity pilot program for schools and libraries. Commissioners Brendan Carr and Nathan Simington dissented, as some had predicted (see 2406040039). The two cited concerns with the FCC using E-rate program funds for the effort. Commissioners Geoffrey Starks and Anna Gomez indicated changes were inserted into the pilot rules at their request.