FCC Addresses Access Stimulation
At its Open Meeting this morning, the FCC voted to adopt a Report and Order aimed at combatting what it characterizes as “wasteful arbitrage schemes that exploit the system of intercarrier compensation between local and long-distance providers, and indirectly cost consumers an estimated $60 million to $80 million annually.” The order reduces the financial incentives for carriers to engage in these schemes by requiring that the access-stimulating local phone company, rather than the long-distance company, be financially responsible for covering the cost of incoming traffic.
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Topics:
Access Stimulation,
Broadband Networks in Puerto Rico,
Broadband Networks in U.S. Virgin Islands,
3.5GHZ Auction
House Committee Supply Chain Legislation Introduced
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR), Reps. Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Brett Guthrie (R-KY) introduced HR4459, the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act,
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Topics:
National Lifeline Verifier,
Supply Chain Legislation,
Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act,
NLEV
I
owa Broadband Grant Applications Now Being Accepted - New Broadband Map Released
In a press release the Governor of Iowa announced that the application window for the Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant Program has officially opened, making $5 million dollars in grant funds available for communication service providers who expand high-speed Internet service into unserved areas in Iowa. The application window will be open from Sept. 20, 2019 through Oct. 18, 2019.
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Topics:
FCC Regulatory Fee Filing Window,
Iowa Broadband Grants,
Broadband Map,
Lifeline violations
Colorado Releases Annual 911 Report
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has released its 2018-2019 Report on the State of 911 Services in Colorado. The is the second report the PUC has released thus far.
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Topics:
NG911,
robocalling,
FCC Consumer Advisory Committee,
911 services
FCC’s Rosenworcel Celebrates First Anniversary of Her Podcast
FCC Commissioner Rosenworcel announced the release of a podcast episode celebrating the inaugural year of her Broadband Connections podcast series. The podcast is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women from across the technology, innovation, and media sectors. Since launching the podcast one year ago, listeners have heard conversations about everything from ethical artificial intelligence to net neutrality to teaching girls to code and digital equity. Guests have included Senators, Congresswomen, teachers, coders, policymakers, advocates, and public servants—even an astronaut.
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Topics:
FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel,
OTARD,
Broadband Connections Podcast,
Over the-Air Reception Devices Rule,
Innovation Zones
US House Hearing on Wireless Security
The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee announced it hold a legislative hearing entitled “Legislating to Secure America’s Wireless Future.” on Tuesday, September 24, 2019. “In order to pave the way for America’s wireless future, our networks must be secure and employ cutting edge technology to harness the power of our airwaves,” said Chairmen Pallone and Doyle.
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Topics:
Lifeline,
Legislating to Secure America's Wireless Future,
Medicaid,
Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier
FCC Seeks Comment On Wireless Spectrum Rulemaking Petitions
The FCC is asking for comment on three related petitions concerning the implementation of Section 6409 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. That section directs localities to approve “any eligible facilities request for a modification of an existing wireless tower or base station that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of such tower or base station.” All three petitions will be addressed in the same docket.
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Topics:
California Lifeline,
Wireless Spectrum Rulemaking,
499-A Data
Texas Finalizes Rules on Loss of Competitive ETP USF Support
The Texas PUC has adopted final rules implementing statutory changes requiring it to establish criteria to determine whether Texas Universal Service Fund (TUSF) support should be eliminated for a competitive eligible telecommunications provider (ETP) if the number of access lines in an exchange declines by at least 50% from the number of lines served in that exchange on Dec. 31, 2016.
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Topics:
Texas Universal Service Fund,
eligible telecommunications provider,
Wireless Service During California Wildfires,
ETP USF Support
FCC Announces Fifth Round of CAF II Auction Funding
The FCC authorized over $112.2 million in funding over the next decade to expand broadband to nearly 48,000 unserved rural homes and businesses in nine states. This represents the fifth wave of support from last year’s successful Connect America Fund Phase II auction.
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Topics:
NANC,
North American Numbering Council,
CAF II Funding,
NAOWG
FCC September Open Meeting 
