FCC
The FCC released an Order addressing a number of informal questions raised about certain aspects of its Order adopting reforms to the rules governing rate-of-return carriers, including the adoption of a new Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support (CAF BLS) mechanism. Issues addressed include: transfer of exchanges; application of monthly per-line limit on universal service support; additional ACAM (alternative Connect America cost model) and transitional budget support; timing of operating expense limitation and reductions in authorized rate of return; additional guidance regarding operating expense limitation; timing of capital investment allowance; average schedule carrier participation in the National Exchange Carrier Association traffic-sensitive pool; determination of consumer broadband-only loop investment and expenses; calculation of budget control; and contributions treatment of nontariffed services.
New Hampshire
The PUC approved Staff’s recommendation that it issue a waiver to competitive carriers from the requirement to provide 30 days’ notice for revisions to intrastate access tariffs. The Commission issued such a waiver in both 2014 and 2015. Therefore, intrastate access tariff revisions by non-ILEC telephone utilities filed prior to July 15, 2016, in compliance with the FCC’s USF/ICC order, may take effect on July 31, 2016. Individual waiver requests do not need to be filed.