THE REGULATORY MIX AND BLOG ARTICLES

In a July 23 posting, we told you that the FCC is moving forward with its comprehensive (one could argue, burdensome) special access/broadband data request and anticipated that it would provide more specific instructions about how to respond in an order to be issued in the August - September timeframe. TMI recently learned from an FCC Staffer involved in the process that they are hoping to issue an order by the end of August.

When we posted our original blog 5/23/13 regarding TV White Space, only Spectrum Bridge and Telcordia had been approved by the FCC as database Administrators.

A new North Dakota law creates a separate prepaid wireless (PPW) emergency 911 fee.  Effective January 1, 2014, a seller of prepaid wireless service must collect the fee on each retail transaction and remit the fee at the same time and in the same manner as sales and use tax.

Update of original TMI Blog posted 6/18/13.

The FCC approves five VoIP number trial proposals. The 6-month trials will begin June 17, 2013 and will be conducted by Vonage Holdings Corp, SmartEdgeNet, LLC, WilTel Communications, LLC, Intelepeer, Inc. (formally VoEx, Inc.), and Millicorp.

Any revisions to the May 1, 2013 499Q (projecting Q3 revenues) must be filed with USAC no later than June 15. If you discover an error in the 499Q and fail to revise it within this 45 day timeframe, the Federal USF invoices for Q3 will reflect the original 499Q filing and (with very limited exceptions) must be paid in full to avoid red light status and costly late payment penalties. 

Other than an appeal to USAC or the FCC (which generally aren't successful), the only way to correct an error after the 45 day revision deadline is through next year's April 1st 499A, when you file actual 2013 revenues. Keep in mind that the 499A true up methodology includes an implicit penalty for over or under projections made on the 499Qs.  Bottom line -- be as accurate as possible when filing projected revenues on the 499Q and fix any errors within the 45 day revision period.

The FCC has made TV White Space available to unlicensed providers. This spectrum can be used for a variety of purposes, including broadband internet access in rural areas that might otherwise be un-served. The FCC has touched upon other applications such as broadband access to schools in rural areas, campus networks, home networks to support real time streaming video applications, remote sensing of water supplies and support for smart grid. 

A new Wyoming law will prohibit the Wyoming Public Service Commission from regulating IP enabled or VoIP service. However, VoIP services will be subject to assessment for: (1) the Wyoming USF; (2) the Wyoming 911 or E911 emergency service taxes; (3) the Wyoming special fee for relay service; and (4) the PUC assessment. The legislation becomes effective July 1, 2013.