Today:  Oregon Universal Service Board Position, Texas Announces New PUC Commissioner, US Senate Letter on Copper Networks 

Oregon Universal Service Board Position Available

The Oregon Public Utility Commission is currently seeking nominations to the Oregon Universal Service (OUS) Advisory Board for:  one position representing ILECs (preference given to representative from small ILEC for this vacancy) and one position representing Competitive Telecommunications Providers (CLECs).  The Board monitors the administration of the OUS fund and advises the Commission regarding the operation of the fund.  The OUS fund supports provision of basic telephone service in higher cost areas of the state.  For more information contact Kathy Shepherd: kathy.shepherd@state.or.us, 503-378-8959; or Kay Marinos: kay.marinos@state.or.us, 503-378-6730.  Nomination forms are due 12/15/17.

Texas Announces New PUC Commissioner

Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed Arthur D’Andrea to the PUC for a term set to expire September 1, 2023.  He will join DeAnn Walker, Chairman, and Brandy Marques, Commissioner.  D’Andrea is an assistant general counsel for the Office of Governor Greg Abbott and previously served as an assistant solicitor general for the Office of the Attorney General of Texas. 

US Senate Letter on Copper Networks

A group of 16 Senators sent a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai raising concerns about the FCC’s Report and Order that would revise the copper retirement rules.  In particular they were concerned about the reduction in notification to consumers, especially rural Americans, the elderly, low-income, and consumers living with disabilities who rely on landline phone service.  They said, in part: “Households and businesses in our states, and across the country, cannot afford the disruption of having service altered without adequate advance notice, the assurance that an equivalent replacement exists, and a clear understanding of how to obtain and use the replacement.  Furthermore, this order would affect more than landline phone service.  Alarm systems, fax machines, and medical monitoring devices frequently depend on access to landline service.  DSL broadband service also relies on landline phone service.  If phone lines are not maintained, all of these services could be put in jeopardy.  We need a reliable service standard in place to ensure that services people depend on will continue to work, and that rural Americans will not be left behind during this technology upgrade, furthering the digital divide.”  See our Blog posted 11/2/17 Checking In @ The FCC - The November Open Meeting. 

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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.