Texas Finalizes Rules on Loss of Competitive ETP USF Support
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The Regulatory Mix Today: Texas Finalizes Rules on Loss of competitive ETP Support, FCC Asks About Plans for Wireless Service During California Wildfires
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FCC Asks About Plans for Wireless Service During California Wildfires
The Chief of the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has asked AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint and US Cellular about their plans to provide continued wireless service in the event that California utilities shut off power at times and in areas where the risk of wildfires is high. In particular, the FCC is asking for a description of all steps the carriers have taken, or plan to take, to mitigate the effects of these potential power shutoffs. This should include details related to the provider’s contingency plans to promote the continuity of communications for public safety officials and residents (including preparations to use back-up power), its strategy for outreach to consumers, and its plan for coordination with public safety officials, power companies, and other relevant stakeholders. The Bureau also asks for information on any additional measures taken to ensure the continued availability of communications in the event of a wildfire, such as the hardening of communications infrastructure or the construction of additional infrastructure in areas prone to wildfires, as well as any industry best practices they have incorporated. Responses are requested within ten days.
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The FCC’s letters were issued only a short time after the California Public Utilities Commission issued an order adopting a disaster relief program that requires telecommunications providers (including wireless providers and VoIP providers) to implement certain specific customer protections in the event a state of emergency is declared in California.
Inteserra Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 9/12/19.
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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.
