Today: US House Hearing on Tech Company Algorithms, FCC form 477 Data, FCC LNP Session on Small Service Providers, Maine POLR Obligations, New York RFI on Citywide Broadband Deployment
US House Hearing On Tech Company Algorithms
The House Communications and Technology and Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittees have scheduled a joint subcommittee hearing for November 29, 2017, entitled “Algorithms: How Companies’ Decisions About Data and Content Impact Consumers.” The hearing will examine how actions taken by tech companies and online platforms affect consumer privacy and choice. #SubCommTech and #SubDCCP members will have the opportunity to hear from research experts and academics about the impacts of online algorithms, advertising, privacy policies, consumer data flows, content regulation practices, and more. More information.
FCC Form 477 Data
The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau released updated data on fixed broadband deployment as of December 31, 2016. The data were collected through FCC Form 477 and include any revisions made by filers before November 7, 2017. Coverage area shapefiles showing mobile voice and broadband network deployment as of December 31, 2016, are also available.
FCC LNP Session Focused on Small Service Providers
The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau announced that the Transition Oversight Manager will hold a Local Number Portability Administrator (LNPA) follow-up session on November 29, 2017, for small providers. The session will focus on contingency rollback planning for small providers. The Bureau also released materials from prior rollback sessions.
Maine Prepares Report On Removal Of POLR Obligations
The PUC released its “Report Regarding Commission Review of the Effect of Relief of the Provider of Last Resort Obligation Pursuant to the Provisions of Public Law 2015, Chapter 462.” Provider of Last Resort (POLR) service is defined as basic telephone service, that allows subscribers to make local calls at a flat rate and provides access to 911, directory assistance, operator services, and long distance. All of Maine's ILECs are required to offer POLR service to their customers. The PUC is required to report on the effect of the removal of POLR service on former POLR service customers, the price cap ILEC's workforce, the maintenance and status of the copper line network, public safety, and the cost, features and availability of telephone service, including service to the hearing impaired, and broadband service. Any person or entity may submit comments on the Report. Comments must be filed by December 18, 2017.
New York RFI on Citywide Broadband Deployment
The NY City Mayor’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather input from industry experts regarding the City's implementation plan for universal broadband. The RFI lays out five principles to guide the City's broadband investments and partnerships: Performance, Affordability, Equity, Choice, and Privacy. The request poses questions about network architecture, use of City assets, deployment and construction, business parameters and partnership opportunities, and standards, policies, and performance indicators. Anyone can respond to the RFI. Responses are due January 19, 2018, and can be submitted at http://on.nyc.gov/nycconnectedrfi.
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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.
