Today's Regulatory Mix: California Adopts Streamlined ETC Process for Federal RDOF Participants, FCC Authorizes Over $7.4 Million for Rural Broadband, NTIA Seeks Comments on Promoting the Sharing of Supply Chain Security Risk Information

California Adopts Streamlined ETC Process for Federal RDOF Participants

The Public Utilities Commission of California (PUC) has adopted a streamlined Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) process specifically for FCC Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) recipients.  The PUC will require a two-stage application process consistent with the FCC’s short and long-form application processes.  This process is applicable only to bidders with existing operating authority in California. Successful applicants will be required to comply with ETC rules and regulations and are obligated to offer all the services designated for federal universal service support in the service areas for which they receive RDOF funding.  Inteserra Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 6/11/20

FCC Authorizes Over $7.4 Million For Rural Broadband

The FCC authorized over $7.4 million in funding over ten years to expand rural broadband in Oklahoma and Oregon.  Tribal provider Redwire will receive $4,766,845.60 to provide fixed broadband of at least 25/3 Mbps to 8,041 rural homes and businesses in Oklahoma, including in Tribal areas.  Viasat will serve 3,811 rural locations in Oregon with $2,708,529.40 in FCC support.  Together these investments will connect 11,852 unserved rural homes and businesses. 

“Bringing broadband to unserved rural homes and businesses in Oklahoma and Oregon will make a real difference to these communities and continue our progress in closing the digital divide,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.  “I am determined to do everything possible to ensure all Americans are able to access online resources for work, education, and healthcare. The FCC is delivering real value at a critical time for our nation, particularly to those living in unconnected rural areas.”

In total, the Connect America Fund Phase II Auction in 2018 allocated $1.488 billion in support over the next ten years to expand broadband to more than 700,000 unserved rural homes and small businesses in 45 states.  The FCC has now authorized thirteen waves of funding, and today’s action brings total authorized funding to over $1.45 billion, which is expanding connectivity to 643,813 homes and businesses nationwide.  Funding rounds will continue until the authorization process is complete.

NTIA Seeks Comments on Promoting the Sharing of Supply Chain Security Risk Information

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is requesting comment on ways to facilitate the sharing of security risk information with such trusted providers.  These comments will inform the program that NTIA establishes under the Section 8 of the Secure and Trusted Communications Network Act of 2019 (Act). Comments are due on or before July 13, 2020.

Written comments may be submitted by email to supplychaininfo@ntia.gov.   Written comments also may be submitted by mail to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 4725, Attn: Evelyn L. Remaley, Associate Administrator, Office of Policy Analysis and Development, Washington, DC 20230. 

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The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related 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 an Inteserra Briefing.