FCC Data on Internet Access Services
The FCC released a report on Internet access connections in the United States as of December 31, 2015, as collected by FCC Form 477. Among the findings of the report are:
FCC Orders Recovery Of USF Support Overpayments
The FCC took a series of actions against Sandwich Isles Communications, a provider of phone and broadband service to customers on Hawaiian Home Lands, for violations and apparent violations related to Universal Service Fund (USF) support. The company will be required to repay the USF over $27 million, representing support amounts that it was paid but not entitled to under the rules of the high-cost program. In addition, following an investigation by the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, the FCC proposed more than $49 million in fines against Sandwich Isles, its parent company Waimana Enterprises, and its former controlling owner Albert Hee for apparent violations impacting the high-cost program. Sandwich Isles is charged with violating the FCC’s accounting rules and methods, and submitting and certifying inaccurate data used to obtain millions of dollars in improper high-cost support payments. This is the FCC’s first enforcement action in the high-cost program. The FCC also modified a previous agency ruling regarding payments made by Sandwich Isles for use of a submarine cable built and directed the National Exchange Carrier Association to no longer allow the company’s inclusion of excessive expenses in its revenue requirement.
California
The PUC will hold public meetings in Oakland, Berkeley, and Hayward to inform the public and hear comments on a proposed new area code that would be added to the area now served by the 510 area code in order to provide additional numbers for customers. The area served by the 510 area code includes the western portions of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Click here for more details.