New York Defends State Broadband Program as 'Technology Neutral,' in FCC Visit
New York State officials said their broadband program is "technology neutral and open to wireline, fixed wireless, and satellite broadband providers." They continued to push for an expedited FCC waiver to augment a New York broadband reverse auction with money…
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from federal Connect America Fund Phase II subsidy support slated for use in a commission auction (see 1610130047). Rules for the next phase of the New York broadband auction "will specifically allow satellite providers to participate," said a filing posted Thursday by Empire State Development (ESD) in docket 10-90 on a meeting with Wireline Bureau officials. ViaSat and the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association last week voiced concern the New York eligibility rules could exclude "cost-effective" technologies from the state program (see 1612080058). "Broadband services providing 100 Mbps or greater download speeds are preferred in the auction, but only if bids for such services are cost reasonable," said ESD. "Broadband services providing 25 Mbps or greater are eligible for the auction in areas where cost-reasonable 100 Mbps services are unavailable. In such cases, New York will award funding to the bidder with the lowest cost of service in the State regardless of technology." The filing said New York officials also discussed with satellite providers their possible participation in the state program. ViaSat and WISPA made their arguments this week, this time to an aide to Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel.