Pai Adviser Highlights Ways FCC Seeks to Encourage Electric Utility Broadband Participation
The FCC wants to help electric utilities participate in the broadband market, said Jay Schwarz, wireline aide to Chairman Ajit Pai, in remarks Tuesday to a Utilities Technology Council meeting in New Orleans. He noted the Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee…
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is making recommendations to remove regulatory barriers to network deployment. "Our focus is on speeding up processes and cutting red tape," he said. "We respect the property owned by utilities, and we will not forget the safety concerns you have raised. ... [W]e expect that this working group will generate reforms that will make it easier for all broadband providers to expand their networks." Schwarz urged utilities to be "creative" in a Connect America Fund Phase II broadband subsidy auction: "Talk to leaders in your state about how they can make your bids more competitive. For example, a state could offer matching funds for the auction, which would enable more competitive bids for federal support. Or a state could offer 'sweeteners' to auction winners for accelerated buildout schedules or faster than required bandwidth. ... Or consider collaborating with a local telephone company in making a bid. And please think about edging out -- there may be areas near your current service area that need broadband."