The FCC order approving AT&T’s takeover of DirecTV was released Tuesday, laying out the conditions it imposed. The 241-page order includes 59 pages of "merger simulation model" analysis and 17 pages of conditions that appear to track commission descriptions over the last week (see 1507210078, 1507220076, 1507230059, 1507240055 and 1507270074) but with more specifics. For instance, while the conditions generally last four years, if AT&T doesn’t complete a required fiber buildout within that time frame, all the conditions will remain in effect until it does. In addition, if the FCC finds AT&T has violated any conditions, it can extend the terms of such conditions for two years.
The U.S. wireless industry is “more vibrant and vigorously competitive than ever before” and the FCC should recognize that in its next wireless competition report, CTIA said in comments. Other industry commenters offered the same take in docket 15-125. But industry observers told us they see little chance the FCC will change course and agree with them. The first seven wireless competition reports didn't include any conclusions on whether the industry was effectively competitive, though the next six reports concluded it was. All reports since 2010 have not drawn a conclusion.
The U.S. wireless industry is “more vibrant and vigorously competitive than ever before” and the FCC should recognize that in its next wireless competition report, CTIA said in comments. Other industry commenters offered the same take in docket 15-125. But industry observers told us they see little chance the FCC will change course and agree with them. The first seven wireless competition reports didn't include any conclusions on whether the industry was effectively competitive, though the next six reports concluded it was. All reports since 2010 have not drawn a conclusion.
The U.S. wireless industry is “more vibrant and vigorously competitive than ever before” and the FCC should recognize that in its next wireless competition report, CTIA said in comments. Other industry commenters offered the same take in docket 15-125. But industry observers told us they see little chance the FCC will change course and agree with them. The first seven wireless competition reports didn't include any conclusions on whether the industry was effectively competitive, though the next six reports concluded it was. All reports since 2010 have not drawn a conclusion.
Chairman Tom Wheeler said the FCC would offer its own rate-of-return USF overhaul plan absent rural LEC industry consensus, expects to move an Internet video program-rights order and a broadband privacy NPRM this fall, and would hold the broadcast incentive auction in Q1. Offering a broadband overview at the Brookings Institution Friday, Wheeler said the FCC would continue to protect and promote competition but wouldn't require "network unbundling." He also said many telco and cable providers continue to invest despite the threats of "a few big dogs" to "starve investment" due to the recent broadband reclassification. Wheeler's speech largely tracked prepared remarks.
Chairman Tom Wheeler said the FCC would offer its own rate-of-return USF overhaul plan absent rural LEC industry consensus, expects to move an Internet video program-rights order and a broadband privacy NPRM this fall, and would hold the broadcast incentive auction in Q1. Offering a broadband overview at the Brookings Institution Friday, Wheeler said the FCC would continue to protect and promote competition but wouldn't require "network unbundling." He also said many telco and cable providers continue to invest despite the threats of "a few big dogs" to "starve investment" due to the recent broadband reclassification. Wheeler's speech largely tracked prepared remarks.
Judge Patricia Millett of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit said she and colleagues are reluctant to agree to en banc review of panel rulings, and judges generally are chosen randomly to hear cases. Answering questions at an FCBA seminar Monday night, Millett, who was nominated by President Barack Obama and joined the court in December 2013, offered a rare look into the inner workings at the D.C. Circuit, which regularly reviews challenges to FCC orders. Also appearing, two senior attorneys of the FCC Office of General Counsel reviewed major telecom and media cases from the past 12 months, with one attorney hailing the agency's victory in defending its 2011 USF and intercarrier compensation order as "stunning" and suggesting it offered some lessons.
Judge Patricia Millett of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit said she and colleagues are reluctant to agree to en banc review of panel rulings, and judges generally are chosen randomly to hear cases. Answering questions at an FCBA seminar Monday night, Millett, who was nominated by President Barack Obama and joined the court in December 2013, offered a rare look into the inner workings at the D.C. Circuit, which regularly reviews challenges to FCC orders. Also appearing, two senior attorneys of the FCC Office of General Counsel reviewed major telecom and media cases from the past 12 months, with one attorney hailing the agency's victory in defending its 2011 USF and intercarrier compensation order as "stunning" and suggesting it offered some lessons.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., urged the White House to support reauthorization of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, in comments posted Friday on the Broadband Opportunity Council’s (BBOC) request for comment on broadband availability and deployment issues. A group of House Democrats led by House Communications Subcommittee ranking member Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., and Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a separate filing to “modernize” regulations for the Rural Utility Service’s Telecom Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee program to “better facilitate high-speed rural broadband deployment.” BBOC, which the White House created March 23 to spur broadband investment and adoption (see 1503230064), sought comment on ways the federal government can modernize “outdated regulations,” identify regulatory barriers to broadband deployment and promote broadband adoption.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., urged the White House to support reauthorization of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, in comments posted Friday on the Broadband Opportunity Council’s (BBOC) request for comment on broadband availability and deployment issues. A group of House Democrats led by House Communications Subcommittee ranking member Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., and Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a separate filing to “modernize” regulations for the Rural Utility Service’s Telecom Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee program to “better facilitate high-speed rural broadband deployment.” BBOC, which the White House created March 23 to spur broadband investment and adoption (see 1503230064), sought comment on ways the federal government can modernize “outdated regulations,” identify regulatory barriers to broadband deployment and promote broadband adoption.