The Competitive Carriers Association urged the FCC to revise its plans for a second phase of the Mobility Fund (MFII) “to ensure sufficient, predictable support for the preservation and deployment of wireless networks,” in a letter filed at the FCC Wednesday. The letter was signed by 18 of the group’s CEOs. “This letter makes clear that the FCC’s Mobility Fund II current plan is headed in the wrong direction,” CCA President Steve Berry said in a news release: Members are “seriously concerned that the FCC’s current plan for MFII will undermine their hard work serving areas that would have gone unserved absent their investment and USF support. The Commission is relying on inaccurate and inconsistent information to determine areas that will be eligible for MFII support, and I strongly encourage the FCC to perform a thorough review of its data and utilize the most accurate measurement analysis to identify coverage gaps.” The biggest concern is that the FCC plans to “immediately slash legacy USF in many areas where services consumers enjoy today could be reduced by a flash cut of support,” Berry said. “Rural areas are some of the most difficult to serve, and putting these funds ‘on the chopping block’ will directly impact carriers’ abilities to continue service and will harm consumers that live in or visit these areas. As these CEOs noted, a flash-cut is fiscally irresponsible, especially given the amount of budgetary planning required to maintain and build out networks.” A vote on the fund is teed up for the commissioners’ Feb. 23 meeting (see 1702030039).
The Competitive Carriers Association urged the FCC to revise its plans for a second phase of the Mobility Fund (MFII) “to ensure sufficient, predictable support for the preservation and deployment of wireless networks,” in a letter filed at the FCC Wednesday. The letter was signed by 18 of the group’s CEOs. “This letter makes clear that the FCC’s Mobility Fund II current plan is headed in the wrong direction,” CCA President Steve Berry said in a news release: Members are “seriously concerned that the FCC’s current plan for MFII will undermine their hard work serving areas that would have gone unserved absent their investment and USF support. The Commission is relying on inaccurate and inconsistent information to determine areas that will be eligible for MFII support, and I strongly encourage the FCC to perform a thorough review of its data and utilize the most accurate measurement analysis to identify coverage gaps.” The biggest concern is that the FCC plans to “immediately slash legacy USF in many areas where services consumers enjoy today could be reduced by a flash cut of support,” Berry said. “Rural areas are some of the most difficult to serve, and putting these funds ‘on the chopping block’ will directly impact carriers’ abilities to continue service and will harm consumers that live in or visit these areas. As these CEOs noted, a flash-cut is fiscally irresponsible, especially given the amount of budgetary planning required to maintain and build out networks.” A vote on the fund is teed up for the commissioners’ Feb. 23 meeting (see 1702030039).
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has gotten off to an active start in his first two weeks in the job. Several former FCC officials said early on, in contrast to former Chairman Tom Wheeler, Pai could have a tough time figuring out what to do once designated to lead the regulator, especially given the Republican emphasis on less rather than more regulation and the strong possibility Congress, not the FCC, will address ISP privacy and net neutrality rules. But Pai is already moving forward with a busy agenda, teeing up six items for the Feb. 23 commissioners meeting. Much of his early emphasis has been on closing the digital divide. But controversy arose Friday (see 1702030070).
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has gotten off to an active start in his first two weeks in the job. Several former FCC officials said early on, in contrast to former Chairman Tom Wheeler, Pai could have a tough time figuring out what to do once designated to lead the regulator, especially given the Republican emphasis on less rather than more regulation and the strong possibility Congress, not the FCC, will address ISP privacy and net neutrality rules. But Pai is already moving forward with a busy agenda, teeing up six items for the Feb. 23 commissioners meeting. Much of his early emphasis has been on closing the digital divide. But controversy arose Friday (see 1702030070).
Quadra Partners said it starts advisory practice, which works on matters including public policy amid tech convergence, founded by ex-FCC officials Paul de Sa, ex-Office of Strategic Planning, Ruth Milkman, ex-aide to then-Chairman Tom Wheeler, and Jon Wilkins, ex-Wireless Bureau ... Lerman Senter names Kevin Cookler and David Rines members, to work on wireless and wireline and ISP issues; it hired Sara Hinkle as associate attorney, working on broadcast and broadband issues ... Glen Echo Group promoted Katie Barr to executive vice president-chief operating officer, Ellen Satterwhite to vice president and Aaron Alberico to director.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said a new broadband deployment advisory committee (BDAC) would seek ways to spur the rollout of high-speed internet access networks and close the digital divide. He said the BDAC would be charged with identifying regulatory barriers to broadband infrastructure investment, and recommending actions to remove or reduce them. The panel also would draft a model code for localities to follow to encourage deployment, he said, announcing its formation in a statement at the commissioners' Tuesday meeting, followed by a news release and a public notice (documents here).
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said a new broadband deployment advisory committee (BDAC) would seek ways to spur the rollout of high-speed internet access networks and close the digital divide. He said the BDAC would be charged with identifying regulatory barriers to broadband infrastructure investment, and recommending actions to remove or reduce them. The panel also would draft a model code for localities to follow to encourage deployment, he said, announcing its formation in a statement at the commissioners' Tuesday meeting, followed by a news release and a public notice (documents here).
In one of the first actions under new Chairman Ajit Pai, FCC staff approved 182 rural telcos to receive $454 million in annual broadband-oriented USF subsidies through the Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM). Rural telcos called the action a boost for rural broadband, though some called for further funding efforts. Pai said he wants to ensure rural areas get fast web service. Meanwhile Tuesday, he named bureau chiefs and other key staff (see 1701240064).
In one of the first actions under new Chairman Ajit Pai, FCC staff approved 182 rural telcos to receive $454 million in annual broadband-oriented USF subsidies through the Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM). Rural telcos called the action a boost for rural broadband, though some called for further funding efforts. Pai said he wants to ensure rural areas get fast web service. Meanwhile Tuesday, he named bureau chiefs and other key staff (see 1701240064).
Industry parties, public interest groups and others offered generally favorable comments and recommendations on FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn's action plan for ensuring affordable communications access and other objectives. Wireless, wireline and satellite entities urged various actions and incentives to promote broadband deployment and adoption. A host of civil rights and consumer groups backed inmate calling service reforms and other initiatives.