Today:  Regulators React to AT&T Decision,  Utah Revises USF and Lifeline Rules     

Regulators React to AT&T Decision

Various regulators issued statements in response to the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Federal Trade Commission v. AT&T Mobility) reaffirming the FTC’s authority over the non-common carrier activities of common carriers.  Inteserra Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 2/28/18.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said: “The Ninth Circuit’s decision is a significant win for American consumers. Among other things, it reaffirms that the Federal Trade Commission will once again be able to police Internet service providers after the Restoring Internet Freedom Order takes effect.  In the months and years ahead, we look forward to working closely with the FTC to ensure the protection of a free and open Internet…In December 2017, the FCC and FTC announced their intent to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding under which the two agencies would coordinate online consumer protection efforts.” Inteserra Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 12/22/17.

Acting FTC Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen said: “I welcome the Ninth Circuit’s ruling as good news for consumers. It ensures that the FTC can and will continue to play its vital role in safeguarding consumer interests including privacy protection, as well as stopping anticompetitive market behavior.”

The House Energy and Commerce Committee also weighed in, saying in a blog that: “This decision is a win for consumers and the internet ecosystem – and it’s especially important as part of the conversation on net neutrality….As the Restoring Internet Freedom Order returns the FTC’s jurisdiction to police ISPs, including their privacy practices and anticompetitive behaviors, the Ninth Circuit’s ruling fully demonstrates the FTC’s power under the restored Title I internet service classification. When special interests and outside activists raise panic that rolling back “net neutrality” allows companies to freely block, throttle, and harm consumers, it’s important to point to the FTC’s reaffirmed authority over both ISPs and tech companies to ensure consumers are protected.  The FTC is, and will continue to be, the cop on the beat for protecting consumers online. The Energy and Commerce Committee, with its oversight of both the FTC and FCC, looks forward to engaging with the commissions and safeguarding the free and open internet.”  

Utah Revises USF and Lifeline Rules

The Public Service Commission of Utah has revised its rules relating to the Utah Universal Service Fund (UUSF) surcharge and its rule for Lifeline service.  The changes to the UUSF rules are intended to clarify their application to prepaid wireless service, in particular that multiple recharges of prepaid wireless service during a single month do not trigger multiple contribution requirements.  The changes to the Lifeline expand the program to include wireless carriers and broadband services, provide for verification by the National Verifier, and eliminate the semi-annual reporting requirement. Rule changes became effective February 21, 2018. 

Looking for more detailed information on this topic? Learn more about Inteserra Briefing Service and see Briefing dated 2/26/18

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The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’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 an Inteserra Briefing.