Today's Regulatory Mix: FCC Announces EBBP Launch Date, New Mexico Commission Opens Annual Docket for SRUSF Broadband Grant Applications, NG911 on Tap for Oklahoma
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) is a $3.2 billion federal initiative designed to lower the cost of high-speed internet for eligible households during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The FCC announced today providers participating in the EBB Program can begin enrolling customers as of May 12, 2021.
The New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission (NMPRC) has opened Docket No. 21-00098-UT for Broadband Program funding applications under the State Rural Universal Service Fund (SRUSF). SRUSF rules require the NMPRC to establish this non-adjudicative, administrative docket on or before May 1st for filing applications for broadband support for the following calendar year. In addition, the NMPRC must set a deadline for these submissions. The filing window for Broadband Program funding available in 2022 is April 29, 2021 through May 31, 2021. Applicants are encouraged to file early. Submission deadline is set for May 31, 2021.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed SB 687, directing the 911 Management Authority (Authority) to develop a statewide plan to implement next-generation 911. The bill requires the development of performance criteria critical to the function and performance of NG911 networks and systems. The new law also directs the Authority to establish rules for interoperability between state, regional, and local NG911 systems.
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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.