Today:  FCC reminder on passing through Audible Emergency Information, FCC LNP Transition Outreach and Education Event, Oregon amends state Lifeline rules

FCC Reminder On Passing Through Audible Emergency Information

The FCC’s Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau issued a reminder to multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) of their upcoming obligation to pass through a secondary audio stream containing audible emergency information, when they permit consumers to access linear programming on second screen devices over the MVPD’s network as part of their MVPD services.  The compliance deadline for this requirement is July 10, 2017.  Specifically, each MVPD must ensure that any application or plug-in that it provides to consumers to access linear programming (i.e., programming that is prescheduled by the MVPD) on tablets, smartphones, laptops, and similar devices over the MVPD’s network as part of its MVPD services is capable of passing through an aural representation of the emergency information on a secondary audio stream.  Providing emergency information aurally on the secondary audio steam enables viewers who are blind or visually impaired to access the same emergency information that is presented visually.  A fact sheet summarizing the FCC’s accessible emergency information rules is available here; a Small Entity Compliance Guide is available here.

FCC LNP Transition Outreach and Education Event

The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau announced that the 17th LNPA Transition Outreach and Education Plan (TOEP) webcast will be held on June 14, 2017.  The webcast will be hosted by Price Waterhouse Coopers, LLP, the Transition Oversight Manager (TOM).  Interested parties may register for the webcast here.  The objectives for the webcast are: to provide transparent communications regarding the LNPA Transition; to serve as an open forum to gather and understand needs and concerns; and to incorporate feedback to improve future communications. 

Oregon Amends State Lifeline Rules

The Oregon PUC has revised its rules governing the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program (OTAP).  The amendments largely mirror the temporary rules that became effective December 2, 2016.  They are intended to conform the state rules to changes adopted at the federal level.  The revised rules became effective when filed with the Secretary of State on May 31, 2017.  TMI Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 6/8/17.

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The Regulatory Mix, TMI’s daily 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 a TMI Briefing.

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