Telecom interests view the shift to split partisan control next Congress as improving prospects for compromise on a broadband title in a likely revisit of an infrastructure package. President Donald Trump and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said after the Democrats gained control of the House in last week's elections that they believe a deal is possible on infrastructure (see 1811070054). Democrats as of Tuesday won 228 House seats to the Republicans' 199, with eight races undecided. The GOP held a 51-47 Senate edge, with two races undecided.
The FCC voted 4-0 to allow some rate-of-return rural telcos to choose incentive regulation for business data services, and to open rulemakings on the treatment of both RoR and price-cap carrier legacy transport. Commissioners gave eligible RoR carriers a second chance to opt into incentive regulation, instead of the single opportunity in a draft order with two Further NPRMs. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel concurred, supporting the outcome despite "analytical shortcomings." RLEC groups cheered.
The FCC voted 4-0 to allow some rate-of-return rural telcos to choose incentive regulation for business data services, and to open rulemakings on the treatment of both RoR and price-cap carrier legacy transport. Commissioners gave eligible RoR carriers a second chance to opt into incentive regulation, instead of the single opportunity in a draft order with two Further NPRMs. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel concurred, supporting the outcome despite "analytical shortcomings." RLEC groups cheered.
The FCC approved revised rules for the 3.5 GHz citizens broadband radio service band, as expected (see 1810160068), over a dissent by Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. Commissioner Mike O’Rielly, who crafted the revised rules, said changes were necessary to spark interest in the priority access licenses that will be sold as one tier of the band.
The FCC approved revised rules for the 3.5 GHz citizens broadband radio service band, as expected (see 1810160068), over a dissent by Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. Commissioner Mike O’Rielly, who crafted the revised rules, said changes were necessary to spark interest in the priority access licenses that will be sold as one tier of the band.
The FCC is thought likely to move forward on rules that bar use of money in any USF program to buy equipment or services from companies that “pose a national security threat” to U.S. communications networks or the communications supply chain. Commissioners approved an NPRM 5-0 in April (see 1804170038). CTIA and other carrier groups' comments raised concerns (see 1807050028), but industry officials said the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act may require FCC action.
The FCC is thought likely to move forward on rules that bar use of money in any USF program to buy equipment or services from companies that “pose a national security threat” to U.S. communications networks or the communications supply chain. Commissioners approved an NPRM 5-0 in April (see 1804170038). CTIA and other carrier groups' comments raised concerns (see 1807050028), but industry officials said the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act may require FCC action.
Some parties object to the FCC's plan to require use of a Lifeline national verifier in six states without ensuring an electronic interface for carriers and database access to determine low-income consumer eligibility. Lifeline providers and a NARUC official said the NV's lack of an application programming interface and automated access to key databases will complicate eligibility verification, increasing administrative costs, burdening consumers and undermining enrollment.
Some parties object to the FCC's plan to require use of a Lifeline national verifier in six states without ensuring an electronic interface for carriers and database access to determine low-income consumer eligibility. Lifeline providers and a NARUC official said the NV's lack of an application programming interface and automated access to key databases will complicate eligibility verification, increasing administrative costs, burdening consumers and undermining enrollment.
Rural telco groups asked the FCC to postpone and redo broadband testing duties for RLECs and other smaller providers of fixed service receiving high-cost Connect America Fund support. WTA and NTCA made the requests in applications for review by commissioners of a July 6 staff order (see 1807060031). Petitions for reconsideration (and in some cases clarification) were filed jointly by USTelecom, ITTA and the Wireless ISP Association, and individually by ViaSat, Hughes Network Systems and Micronesian Telecommunications. Filings were posted Wednesday and Thursday in docket 10-90.