Reflecting the heightened interest in 5G and related cybersecurity concerns, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has requested public comment on the implementation of its National Strategy to Secure 5G.  Stakeholders with interests in telecommunications infrastructure and security—and any parties interested in 5G generally—currently have the opportunity to provide input on the plan that will carry out the Administration’s 5G strategy.

From now until June 18, 2020, the NTIA will accept public comments as part of its efforts to develop a rollout for its National Strategy to Secure 5G.  This implementation plan is being developed per the Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2020, which President Trump signed into law on March 23.  The NTIA published its National Strategy the same day.

Through its request for comments, the NTIA seeks information on how the U.S. Government can best facilitate accelerated development and deployment of 5G in the United States and pave the way for innovation for future generations of mobile networks.  Public input will help shape a formal implementation plan that the National Security and National Economic Councils, in consultation with relevant federal departments and agencies, will develop and finalize.

The information requested generally tracks with the four lines of effort set forth in the Administration’s National Strategy, which focuses primarily on identifying and promoting cybersecurity principles for the development and deployment of 5G infrastructure worldwide.  These lines of effort focus on: (1) facilitating domestic 5G rollout, (2) assessing risks to and identifying core security principles of 5G infrastructure, (3) addressing risks to U.S. economic and national security during the development and deployment of 5G infrastructure worldwide, and (4) promoting responsible global development and deployment of 5G.

A full list of questions is available in the Federal Register Notice announcing the request for comment.  All comments are due by June 18, 2020.

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Photo of Matthew DelNero Matthew DelNero

Matt DelNero provides expert regulatory counsel to companies of all sizes in the telecommunications, technology and media sectors. As a former senior official with the FCC and longtime private practitioner, Matt helps clients achieve their goals and navigate complex regulatory and public policy…

Matt DelNero provides expert regulatory counsel to companies of all sizes in the telecommunications, technology and media sectors. As a former senior official with the FCC and longtime private practitioner, Matt helps clients achieve their goals and navigate complex regulatory and public policy challenges.

Matt serves as co-chair of Covington’s Technology & Communications Regulation (“TechComm”) Practice Group and co-chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion initiative.

Matt advises clients on the full range of issues impacting telecommunications, technology and media providers today, including:

  • Structuring and securing FCC and other regulatory approvals for media and telecommunications transactions.
  • Obtaining approval for foreign investment in broadcasters and telecommunications providers.
  • Broadband funding under federal and state programs, including under the FCC’s Universal Service Fund (USF) and NTIA’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
  • Representing broadcasters, media networks, and other content owners and producers on both existing and proposed FCC regulations and policies.
  • FCC enforcement actions and inquiries.
  • Online video accessibility, including under the Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Equipment authorizations for IoT and other devices.
  • Spectrum policy and auctions, including for 5G.
  • Privacy and data protection, with a focus on telecommunications and broadband providers.

Matt also maintains an active pro bono practice representing LGBTQ+ and other asylum seekers, as well as veterans petitioning for discharge upgrades—including discharges under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and predecessor policies that targeted LGBTQ+ servicemembers.

Prior to rejoining Covington in January 2017, Matt served as Chief of the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau. He played a leading role in development of policies around net neutrality, broadband privacy, and broadband deployment and affordability under the federal Universal Service Fund (USF).

Chambers USA ranks Matt within “Band 1” in his field and reports that he is a “go-to attorney for complex matters before the FCC and other federal agencies, drawing on impressive former government experience.” It also quotes clients who praise him as “an outstanding regulatory lawyer…[who] understands the intersection between what’s important for the client’s operations and how the law impacts those operations.”

Photo of Corey Walker Corey Walker

Corey Walker advises clients on a broad range of regulatory, compliance, and enforcement matters in the media, technology, satellite and space, and telecommunications sectors. Corey also provides strategic counsel to leading media, sports, and technology companies on gaming matters, with a focus on…

Corey Walker advises clients on a broad range of regulatory, compliance, and enforcement matters in the media, technology, satellite and space, and telecommunications sectors. Corey also provides strategic counsel to leading media, sports, and technology companies on gaming matters, with a focus on sports betting, fantasy sports, and online gaming.

Corey represents clients before the Federal Communications Commission in connection with a range of policy and compliance issues, including satellite and earth station operations, radiofrequency (RF) spectrum use and availability, and experimental licensing for new and innovative technologies. He also advises clients on structuring transactions and securing regulatory approvals at the federal, state, and local levels for mergers, asset acquisitions, and similar transactions involving FCC and state telecommunications licensees and companies holding private remote sensing space system licenses issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Corey also maintains an active gaming and sports betting practice, and routinely counsels companies on state licensing and compliance matters, including those that pertain to fantasy sports and online gaming.