Today:  FCC Step 6 Access Tariff Protests, FCC Record on 8YY Access Charge Reform

FCC Step 6 Access Tariff Protests

As anticipated, the FCC declined to act on the various petitions to reject or suspend the ILEC’s July 1, 2017, access tariff filings.  See our blog "A Third Bite at the Apple: Step 6 ILEC Opposition" dated 6/28/17. The FCC concluded that none of the petitions presented compelling arguments that the tariffs were “so patently unlawful as to require rejection.”  It also concluded that none of the petitioners “presented issues regarding the tariff transmittals that raise significant questions of lawfulness which require their investigation.”  Accordingly, the Petitions to Reject and to Suspend and Investigate the tariff transmittals were denied.  The AT&T June 7, 2017 Tariff Transmittals became effective on June 22, 2017, and the challenged Annual Access Charge Filing Tariff Transmittals became effective on July 1, 2017.

FCC Record on 8YY Access Charge Reform

The FCC invited interested parties update the record on issues raised in its 2011 Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with respect to access charges for 8YY (toll free) calls.  Comments are due July 31, 2017; reply comments are due August 15, 2017.  The FCC is seeking to refresh the record in this proceeding based on developments that have occurred since 2011, including the transition of certain terminating switched access rates to bill-and keep, any changes in 8YY traffic volumes, and other 8YY-related intercarrier compensation issues.  For example, it seeks comment on whether it should adopt a distinct resolution for 8YY originating traffic and how such a resolution would be implemented.  The FCC also notes that the Ad Hoc Telecommunications Users Committee recently filed an ex parte letter, urging the FCC to “restore the historic treatment of 8YY traffic for access charge purposes, pursuant to which carriers are required to apply the per minute charges for terminating traffic to the originating or ‘open’ end of 8YY calls.”

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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.