Today: FCC Wireless Radio Service Reform Comments, FCC Interim Order in Pole Attachment Rate Dispute, New York Connect America Phase II Funding
FCC Wireless Radio Services Reform Comments
The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau is inviting parties to update the record in the FCC’s 2010 proceeding proposing new standards for wireless radio service renewals. In that proceeding, the FCC proposed new renewal standards designed to “create consistent requirements for renewal of licenses and consistent consequences for discontinuance of service, and to clarify construction obligations for spectrum licenses that have been divided, by geographic partitioning or disaggregation of the spectrum.” It also proposed to prohibit the filing of mutually exclusive, i.e., competing, renewal applications and imposed a freeze on the filing of such competing applications. Stakeholders are invited to update the record with new information or arguments that may be relevant to the proceeding. Comments are due June 1, 2017 and reply comments are due June 16, 2017.
FCC Issues Interim Order In Pole Attachment Rate Dispute
The FCC issued an interim Order addressing two threshold issues raised in a pole attachment rate complaint by Verizon Virginia, LLC, and Verizon South, Inc. against Dominion Virginia Power. The FCC found that the rates Verizon pays for its attachments to Dominion’s poles are not just and reasonable, in violation of Section 224(b)(1) of the Communications Act. It also concluded that Verizon is entitled to a refund of overpayments it may have made prior to filing its Complaint, subject to true up of the post-Complaint period in question. In light of the interim findings, the Bureau directed the parties to meet and confer in an effort to resolve the remaining disputes. They were directed to report to FCC staff within 30 days as to their progress. If the case cannot be resolved by settlement, FCC staff will conduct any further proceedings necessary to issue a subsequent order resolving all remaining issues and setting a just and reasonable pole attachment rate.
New York Connect America Phase II Funding
The FCC’s the Wireline Competition Bureau posted answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the allocation of Connect America Phase II support in partnership with New York State’s New NY Broadband program. The FAQs will be updated as we receive additional inquiries. The FAQs cover various topics associated with the post-selection process, such as how to become an ETC, where to send the letter of credit, and how the separate New York and FCC funding will be allocated.
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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.
Access Step 6 - Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace . . . posted 5/3/17
