NECA 's Proposed  2019 Modification of Average Schedule Formulas

The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau is seeking comment on the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc.’s (NECA) proposed modification of average schedule formulas.  NECA proposes to revise the formulas for average schedule interstate settlement disbursements in connection with the provision of interstate access services for the period beginning July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020.  NECA proposes formula changes that would result in a 3.1% overall increase of settlement at constant demand.  Actual settlements are expected to be lower due to projected losses of access lines and reductions in demand for special access services. Impacts of the proposed formula changes on individual average schedule companies will vary, depending on each company’s size and demand trends and characteristics.

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 The Regulatory Mix Today: FCC Commissioner Rosenworcel On Mitigating Security Risks to Emerging 5G Networks, NECA 's Proposed  2019 Modification Of Average Schedule Formulas,  e-Connectivity Resource Guide Released

Commissioner Rosenworcel on Mitigating Security Risks to Emerging 5G Networks 

FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel recently spoke before the Center For Strategic and International Studies about security and the next generation of wireless technology (5G).  She offered several ideas as to how the FCC can help build a market for more secure 5G equipment.  First, the FCC must work with other agencies to help manage supply chain risk.  In particular, she said it is “time for the FCC to speak up and secure a commitment from the Department of Homeland Security” to participate on the Information and Communications Technology Supply Chain Risk Management task  force.  Second, the FCC should charter a new 5G security council.  She believes the FCC should re-charter and reinvigorate the Communications, Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council and identify 5G security as its focus. “To this end, three things need to be a part of its mandate: more study on security technologies to mitigate risk from the Internet of Things, more study on network function virtualization to mitigate denial of service attacks, and a new study on 5G supply chain risk management that recommends specific mitigation techniques.”

Third, the FCC needs to make cyber hygiene a priority.  She believes that the FCC should use its equipment authorization process to encourage device manufacturers to build security into new products.  “To this end, it could seek a disclosure from manufacturers that explain how new devices are secure throughout the expected lifecycle of the equipment. This would support better security practices on the millions of devices headed for us with the Internet of Things.”

She also suggested that the FCC require the next generation of wireless licenses to certify that they have implemented the best practices for 5G security.  “For example, we could ask that licensees certify that they are using the National Institute of Standards of Technology Cybersecurity Framework. That way, we can ensure that licensees have a structured way of thinking about network security and are using a common language for managing risk.”

e-Connectivity Resource Guide Released

The Agriculture Department has released an e-Connectivity Toolkit to help support the deployment of high-speed broadband e-Connectivity in rural communities.  The e-Connectivity Toolkit  features 27 USDA programs that support broadband deployment.  The easy-to-use resource is a simple guide that allows customers to identify their type of e-Connectivity project and locate resources the federal government offers for planning, equipment, construction, research and other e-Connectivity projects. Resources such as grants, loans and technical assistance are available from multiple Mission Areas at USDA, including Rural Development, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Forest Service.

The toolkit highlights examples of how e-Connectivity resources are being used to increase access to broadband services in rural communities. It is free and available to the public online, and can be easily printed for offline use.  USDA’s launch of the e-Connectivity Toolkit closely follows Secretary Sonny Perdue’s unveiling of the ReConnect Program, a pilot program authorized by the Consolidated Budget Act of 2018, to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas that lack sufficient access to broadband.

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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.

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