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.
US Congress
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will hold a hearing on July 12, 2016, entitled “Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission.” Members will seek an update from the FCC Commissioners on the mismanagement of the Lifeline program, examine the agency’s privacy rules on broadband Internet service providers, the FCC’s set-top box proposal, and FCC process reform, among other things. All five commissioners will testify. The Majority Memorandum, witness list, and witness testimony will be available here as they are posted.
NARUC – Summer Committee Meetings
California PUC Commissioner Sandoval will lead a panel discussion at the 2016 Summer Committee Meetings in Nashville, TN from July 24-27. The panel will examine the four principles the FCC applied in their Business Data Services proceeding: competition, technology neutrality, commitment to IP-based technology, and the FCC’s anticipation of “tomorrow’s” marketplace. How will the FCC “de-regulate where competition exists” and regulate where it doesn’t? What hurdles does the FCC face in testing markets for competition? What are the implications of the FCC’s finding that all BDS providers are “common carriers?” How does the BDS Order relate to the recently upheld Open Internet Order? What questions should state regulators ask given that the FCC is silent about their role under its new special access regime? Panelists include representatives from Level 3, AT&T, and Sprint.
Michigan
The Governor’s 21st Century Infrastructure Commission announced a new website designed to gather public input and provide updates on the Commission’s work. The website - www.miinfrastructurecommission.com - features opportunities for residents to participate in online discussions and polls, learn about upcoming events, and find recent news stories about Michigan’s infrastructure. The Commission also announced that it will be touring the state in order to provide additional opportunities for the public to offer suggestions on how to improve the state’s infrastructure. For more information, to join the discussion online, and to sign-up for a listening tour stop, visit www.miinfrastructurecommission.com.
Vermont
The Public Service Board approved Verizon Wireless’ application for installation and operation of a wireless telecommunications facility in Burlington, VT. The Board concluded that the project will enhance and improve the reliability of wireless coverage in the surrounding area. The Board also approved the Verizon Wireless request to modify an existing structure in Shelburne, VT. Click here for a description of the Burlington project and here for a description of the project in Shelburne.
