FCC Broadcast Incentive Auction Results
The FCC announced the closing of the broadcast incentive auction, which created a first-of-its kind market for repurposing valuable broadcast airwaves for nationwide wireless mobile use. At $19.8 billion in gross revenue for 70MHz of spectrum, the incentive auction is among the highest grossing auctions ever conducted by the FCC. More than $10 billion will go to 175 winning broadcasters that elected to participate in the incentive auction and repurpose their airwaves for mobile use. Among the largest winners are T-Mobile, Dish, Comcast, and US Cellular. A full list of winners can be found here. According to the FCC’s Fact Sheet, there were 50 winning bidders, 23 winning bidders seeking rural bidding credits and 15 winning bidders seeking small business bidding credits. The FCC now commences a 39-month transition period to move broadcast stations to new channel assignments.
FCC Open Meeting - April 20, 2017
The FCC announced the final agenda for its April 20, 2017 Open Meeting. As anticipated, the agenda includes the following items. The agenda also includes various Media items and a Consent Agenda.
Maine POLR Investigation
The PUC opened a Notice of Inquiry in order to obtain information from price cap ILECs related to the removal of provider of last resort (POLR) obligations. The PUC is required to submit its report to the Legislature on or before January 15, 2018. The report must include the effect of the removal of POLR service on former POLR service customers; the Price Cap ILEC’s workforce; the maintenance and status of the copper line network; public safety; and the cost, features, and availability of telephone service, including service to the hearing impaired; and broadband service. [Docket No. 2017-00070]
New York Pole Attachment Rates
The PSC is considering the filing of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, made on March 23, 2017, to update its pole attachment rate applicable to Cable System Operators and Telecommunication Carriers. The proposed annual pole attachment rate is $20.37, per equivalent pole, based on 2016 data. The current rate is $18.29. The proposed amendment has an effective date of July 1, 2017. Public comment will be received until May 28, 2017.