The Federal Communications Commission confirmed the agenda for its July 11 open meeting, at which it will update its rules on closed captioning of video clips that are delivered via Internet Protocol (IP).
The "Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act" of 2010 sought to assure that people with hearing disabilities "are able to enjoy the full benefits of broadband technology." Yet the deluge of Web video has made captioning complicated and costly, hence the commission staff has been evaluating an implementation update for more than a year.
Specifically, the commission will review a rulemaking proposal for an IP captioning plan. Also on the July 11 agenda is a review of the report and order to modernize the E-Rate Program and to expand support for WiFi connectivity for schools and libraries.
The agency says it wants "to close the WiFi gap, make E-Rate dollars go farther, and deliver faster, simpler and more efficient applications and other processes."
The FCC also plans to review the report and order dealing with the Connect America Fund, which establishes a budget and methodology for selecting winning applications for the Connect America rural broadband experiments adopted by the commission in the January Tech Transitions Order.
