THE REGULATORY MIX AND BLOG ARTICLES

As my clients and many others know, I am going to retire as of January 1st, after 35 years in this business. Utility regulation is the only professional career I’ve ever pursued which has been extremely satisfying and enjoyable for me. I am, however, a great bore at parties. 

In Part 3 of this series regarding  further regulation of ICS in Alabama  ( Part 1 posted on 10/22/13 and  Part 2 posted on  10/23/13), I have focused  on the issues of Monthly Statements, the Alabama specific web page, and Quarterly Reports that have been proposed in the Alabama Commission's Order.

Monthly statements

In Part 1 of this multi-part series dated 10/22/13, I identified several of the many issues raised in this latest rulemaking by the Alabama Public Service Commission.  The PSC's Order issued October 1  proposes significantly more extensive regulatory control of ICS providers. In this second article, I discuss some key issues  regarding Video Visitation Service, ICS Rates, and Site Commissions.

While the industry is busy digesting the FCC’s 100+ page order imposing interstate rate caps and other oppressive requirements on inmate service providers, it’s easy lose track of what may be going on in the states.  But providers operating in Alabama really should be paying attention to what IS  going on that state.

Earlier this month, the Alabama Public Service Commission proposed to exert much more extensive regulatory control over carrier operations than either it or any other state has to date.  The Order starts out with a broad and informative discussion of prominent issues facing the industry and regulators in Alabama, including new technologies, video visitation, types of services offered, rate caps, surcharges and fees, etc.  It effectively “tees up” the topics to be addressed in more detail later on.  As one reads along, however, the tone of the order changes more into that of a staff recommendation, and less of an invitation to participate and provide input.  Ultimately, the text appears to transform into language consistent with a final order.   The “proposed” rules and requirements appear to be a foregone conclusion, even to the extent of including a January 2014 start date for the “proposed” reporting requirements.

At its Open Meeting this morning, the FCC voted to cap interstate inmate calling rates. As we understand it, the Order will:

In December 2012, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to consider whether it should change its rules to ensure just and reasonable inmate calling services rates for interstate, long distance calling at publicly- and privately-administered correctional facilities.

The FCC proposes rules to combat the use of contraband wireless devices in correctional facilities nationwide. The rules would speed the approval process for spectrum lease agreements between wireless providers and providers or operators of managed access systems. The new rules would also require wireless providers to terminate service, if technically feasible, to a contraband wireless device after notification by an authorized correctional facility official.

The North Carolina Utilities Commission established a deadline for filing revised access rates. ILECs must file revised tariffs and certain CLECs must file notarized affidavits regarding the rate revisions required by the FCC’s ICC/USF reform order no later than June 10, 2013. The rate changes must be effective July 2, 2013.