The Regulatory Mix, TMI’s daily blog of regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court, issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of a TMI Regulatory Bulletin.

TELECOM

FCC

The FCC has announced the fourth quarter 2013 universal service fund (USF) contribution factor. Based on revenue estimates, the contribution factor is 0.156 or 15.6 percent. This is an increase from the factor in effect during the third quarter of 2013. If no FCC action is taken within 14 days of the release of the Public Notice announcing the new factor, the announced factor will be considered final. See TMI Bulletin dated 09/12/13.

New York

In a letter to the PSC, Verizon said that it has decided to re-build its wireline network in western Fire Island and to offer its wireless Voice Link service on an optional basis rather than as its sole service in the area. Verizon has requested that the PSC suspend all deadlines and proceedings in the review of its plan to replace basic landline service with its Voice Link service for certain customers on Fire Island where the copper wire facilities were destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. Verizon has requested that the implementing tariff provisions become effective September 20, 2013.