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.
NARUC
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Summer Committee Meetings agenda does not include any telecommunications-related resolutions. See the Regulatory Mix dated 7/12/16. However, the Committee on Telecommunications is scheduled to talk about the Connect America Fund (CAF) Phase II Auction, Broadband (and its relation to Lifeline and Universal Services), 5G Wireless, 911 to NG911, Number Portability, Special Access, and the Rate of Return Reform Order. In addition, the agenda includes panel discussions on Fixed & Mobile Broadband Internet Access Service - FCC Title II Designation Upheld; Internet Privacy; Rural Wireless and Consumers on the Ground in the States: New Proposals and Issues; Wireless Broadband Buildout in High Cost Rural Areas; Cyber Security Update - The State Experience; Non-Geographic Number Portability - Educational Session; and a Telecommunications Update 2016 presentation of legislation by the National Regulatory Research Institute.
Mississippi
The PSC reopened its Lifeline rules docket and is seeking comment on potential changes to the Mississippi rules in light of the FCC’s April 2016, decision to, among other things, expand the federal Lifeline program to include support for broadband Internet access services. TMI Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 5/9/16. Comments were due by July 11, 2016; reply comments may be filed by July 26, 2016.
Nevada
The Nevada PUC has opened a rulemaking to amend, adopt, or repeal its Lifeline rules in the wake of the FCC’s April 2016, decision to, among other things, expand the federal Lifeline program to include support for broadband Internet access services. TMI Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 5/9/16. Interested parties are invited to file comments focusing on any necessary changes to the PUC’s rules as a result of the FCC’s order. Comments are due by August 24, 2016; reply comments are due September 7, 2016. A workshop will be held on September 15, 2016, to discuss the comments.
Pennsylvania
The PUC will hold two “Smart Hearings” on August 9th, to gather public comment on plans to address the predicted exhaustion of telephone numbers in the 717 area code service area. TMI Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 3/15/16. The Smart Hearings will be broadcast live on the PUC website and will enable residents throughout the 717 area code geographic region to see and hear the testimony being offered without the need to attend the hearings in person. Witnesses will be able to offer their comments by telephone. In-person testimony will also be included. Individuals wishing to testify at the hearings by telephone must contact the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge at 717-787-1399 and provide contact information no later than 8/2/16. Attendance in person requires no prior action, simply show up and sign in.
