Today:  FCC Open Internet/Net Neutrality Reclassification Proceeding, FCC Urban Rate Study and Minimum Usage Allowances, CRTC Communications Monitoring Report Data on Wireless and Internet Usage  

FCC Open Internet/Net Neutrality Reclassification Proceeding

The FCC released a public notice announcing the availability of downloads of all filings submitted in its docket proposing to reclassify broadband Internet access service (BIAS) as an information service.  The FCC said that the proceeding generated “an unprecedented number of comments, reply comments, and ex parte filings."  To facilitate review of the entire record, the FCC has made all filings submitted as of November 3, 3017, available via download.  The filings are provided in JSON files, in batches of 10,000, compressed into three archive files.  The public notice provides download directions.

Looking for additional information re Net Neutrality? Subscribers see TMI's details Briefing dated 6/12/17. For more information on TMI Briefing subscription service, click here. To see a sample Briefing, click on the image to the right.

FCC Urban Rate Study and Minimum Usage Allowances

The FCC’s the Wireline Competition Bureau announced the 2018 reasonable comparability benchmarks for fixed voice and broadband services for incumbent eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs).  The Bureau also announced: (1) the posting of the fixed voice and broadband services data collected in the most recent urban rate survey; and (2) the minimum usage allowance for ETCs subject to public interest obligations for fixed broadband.  Based on the survey results, the 2018 urban average monthly rate (the rate floor) is $25.50.  Therefore, the reasonable comparability benchmark for voice services, two standard deviations above the urban average, is $45.38.  The minimum monthly usage allowance for 2018 will be 170 GB.  A table with the 2018 benchmark for a number of different broadband service offerings is available here.

CRTC Communications Monitoring Report Data on Wireless and Internet Usage

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) released its report showing that data usage on wireless devices and over Internet connections continues to climb.  Ian Scott, Chairperson and CEO of the CRTC said “Canadians are embracing changing technology. They are increasingly using their mobile devices and home Internet connections to   watch content, access health care services, further their education or run their businesses. As the industry continues to invest in their networks to meet current and future demands, the CRTC is establishing a fund to improve broadband access in remote and rural communities.”

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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.