Today:  FCC Extends Deadline For Filing Form 396-C, FCC Testifies On Lifeline Program,  Florida Senator Nelson Urges Rebates For Hurricane Victims,  FCC Hurricane Irma Update,  FCC Partial Deactivation of DIRS  

FCC Extends Deadline For Filing Form 396-C

The FCC’s Media Bureau has extended the time for filing Form 396-C until October 16, 2017.  FCC rules require that, by September 30 of each year, all multi-channel video program distributors (MVPDs) file FCC Form 396-C, the Multi-Channel Video Programming Distributor EEO Program Annual Report, for employment units with six or more full-time employees.  Because of technical difficulties in preparing for the filing, the FCC extended the deadline for this year.  The FCC said that if filers, particularly those in hurricane-damaged areas, need more time to file, they can email lewis.pulley@fcc.gov and request an extension of time.  Providers can access the electronic filing system from the FCC’s website.  The Notice also provides details on the filing process and identifies those MVPDs that must complete the Supplementary Investigation Sheet portion of the form. 

FCC Testifies On Lifeline Program

In testimony before the US Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, FCC Chairman Pai addressed ongoing waste and mismanagement in the federal Lifeline program and actions he has taken to address these problems.  Among other things, he pointed to various directives given to USAC regarding the strengthening of its administrative processes and the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) See the Regulatory Mix dated 7/13/17. These measures include reviewing addresses associated with large numbers of subscribers, preventing providers from claiming subsidies for more than their total number of enrolled subscribers, and holding sales accountable by requiring them to register with USAC before using the Lifeline enrollment systems.  Pai also said that in early 2018 the program will only make a payment for a subscriber if USAC’s systems show the subscriber has passed all checks in the NLAD.  He said that any improper payments USAC identifies will be reported to the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau and Office of the Inspector General for administrative, civil, or criminal action, as appropriate. 

Responding to the hearing, Commissioner Clyburn issued a statement saying, in part: “Once again we will read headlines trumpeting faults in the FCC’s Lifeline program that do not match the realities of the day. Despite significant reforms made under the previous administration and no new evidence of waste, fraud, or abuse, the Lifeline program continues to be under attack while our nation’s most vulnerable remain on the wrong side of the digital and opportunities divide. I am especially disappointed by the current FCC majority and those who repeatedly reject real reform efforts.  This administration refuses to allow new broadband providers into the Lifeline program, which will deepen and cement the digital divide while omitting the fact that the Lifeline program has one of the lowest improper payment rates of all government subsidy programs…. I, for one, remain committed to working with those who wish to improve the only FCC program that directly tackles the challenge of affordability in communications.”

Senator Nelson Urges Rebates For Hurricane Victims

Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) asked the heads of the nation’s largest cable, telephone and internet providers operating in Florida to provide a 60-day moratorium on late fees, interest accrual, penalties, and any other necessary costs to give people affected by Hurricane Irma time to recover and get back on their feet.  He also asked them provide rebates or credits to subscribers for any interruption in voice, video, or Internet service that occurred due to Hurricane Irma.

FCC Hurricane Irma Updates Latest Status Report

The September 14, 2017, status report for areas impacted by Hurricane Irma indicates that: (1) there were a 21 PSAPs in Florida, 1 PSAP in Georgia and 2 PSAPs in the US Virgin Islands affected by the storm; (2) 53.8% of the cell sites in the US Virgin Islands, 13.4% of the cell sites in Florida, 6.3% of the cell sites in Puerto Rico, 2.2% of the cell sites in the affected areas of Georgia, and 1.2% of the cell sites in the affected areas of Alabama were out of service with counties in only 3 counties in Florida and 2 counties in the US Virgin Island reporting 50% of their cells sites down; (3) there are at least 8,258,789 consumers without either cable or wireline service in the affected areas in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia; (4) there are a total of 9 broadcast stations reported out of service; and (5) there are a total of 30 radio stations out of service.

Partial Deactivation of DIRS

The FCC announced that, at the request of FEMA, it has deactivated the Disaster Information Reporting System in all counties of Alabama, Georgia, and Puerto Rico.  Providers do not need to provide any additional reporting in DIRS for these areas with respect to Hurricane Irma.  DIRS remains activated for Florida and the US Virgin Islands.

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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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