Media Contact: 
Cecilia Sulhoff
cecilia.sulhoff@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC SEEKS COMMENT ON POTENTIAL IMPACT OF GLOBAL SEMICONDUCTOR SHORTAGE
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WASHINGTON, May 11, 2021—The Federal Communications Commission today began seeking comment on the impact the continuing global shortage of semiconductors may have on the U.S. communications sector and on FCC initiatives.

These semiconductor supply chain constraints have been acknowledged by the Administration and by Congress, and the U.S. government is taking steps to address these challenges.  The FCC is particularly focused on the impact this shortage could have on the communications industry, agency initiatives, and the nation’s continued advancement in next-generation technologies that are key to our national and economic security.

“At the FCC we are pursuing a proactive strategy to help build a more secure, resilient, and next-generation communications supply chain,” said FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  “The communications sector is one of the fastest growing segments of the semiconductor industry.  These tiny pieces of technology are the basic building blocks of modern communications—including 5G, Wi-Fi, satellites, and more.  That is why we are seeking to better understand the current shortage, its consequences for the communications sector, and steps we can take to ensure that FCC priorities and initiatives remain on track.”  
Today’s Public Notice from the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau is available here.  Interested parties may file comments online using the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System.  Initial comments are due June 10, 2021, and reply comments are due June 25, 2021.

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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).