In remarks to decidedly different groups, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and Commissioner Geoffrey Starks spoke to the seriousness of the current digital divide in America. Pai, addressing the Reason Foundation, and Starks, before Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition, gave totally separate but equally compelling accounts of the problem. Chairman Pai said that while certain rural … Read More
Democrat Congress to Chairman Pai: Stop All Important Work Now!
In a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai (and separately to the FTC), Congressional Democrat leaders have requested that the Commission immediately cease all but “consensus and administrative matters that are non-partisan for the remainder of your tenure.” In other words, shuffle papers and clean out your desk, because, according to their letter, “with the … Read More
What’s Next in the Telecommunication’s World?
Assuming that once the recounts, recriminations and requisite lawsuits are settled – and Joe Biden becomes president – what will the federal telecommunications landscape look like? Ajit Pai will be replaced by a Biden-appointed FCC Chairman, giving the powerful Commission a 3-2 Democrat majority. For at least four years. Analysts feel that major policy changes … Read More
Carriers Propose Measures to Improve FCC TAC Detariffing Plan
Three carriers – Windstream Services LLC, Frontier Communications Corporation and Consolidated Communications Inc. – have met with the FCC to express their support for the Commission’s plan to detariff Telephone Access Charges (TAC). But their support contains suggestions to make the plan more acceptable to ILECs.To address jurisdictional issues and potential revenue losses, they suggest … Read More
Rural Associations Ask for Ten Years of Legacy Support Under 5G Order
The Rural Wireless Association (RWA) and NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association – recently had discussions with FCC staff concerning the Commission’s Draft Order on the 5G Fund for Rural America. The main point of contention concerned the FCC’s proposal to end legacy support just five years after conclusion of the 5G Phase 1 Auction. … Read More
Order Changes Access Charges on 8YY Calls to Bill and Keep
An October 9 FCC Report and Order has shifted intercarrier compensation for toll free 8YY calls to a bill and keep system. According to the Commission, this will significantly reduce the level of arbitrage and fraud undermining the current compensation mechanism that has long supported toll-free calling. The order, as a transitional step, combines separate … Read More
SCC Asks FCC to Restore Budget Control Mechanism Reductions
The Small Company Coalition– a group of small ILECs and vendors serving rural areas and tribal territories across America – has urged the Commission to restore funding cuts triggered by the budget control mechanism that became effective July 1, 2020. Its recent letter to the Chairman Ajit Pai, authored by SCC Executive Committee Member Jim … Read More
No Hee-Hee as FCC Imposes Huge Forfeiture
In a recent decision, according to Chairman Ajit Pai, the FCC concluded a long-standing action against Sandwich Isles Communications, its parent company, Waimana, and its then sole stockholder, Albert Hee. Mr. Hee, his two main companies, and several affiliates, were fraudulently engaged in a long running scheme to overcharge the Universal Service Fund by some … Read More
NTCA to FCC: Do Not Extend Price Cap Carrier Proposal to RLECs
NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association in a recent discussion and follow-up letter with the FCC, responded to a proposal made by USTelecom – The Broadband Association on behalf of Price Cap carriers in the Commission’s 8YY Access Charge Reform Docket. USTelecom had suggested that a “sufficient recovery mechanism” for Price Cap companies would be … Read More
FCC Takes More Action on Robocalls, More Criticism from Democrat Senators on Tribal Broadband
With its recent order – actually, a Third Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking — the FCC continued its ongoing attack on robocalls. The Third Report and Order establishes, ”rules that further encourage call blocking by establishing a safe harbor from liability under the Communications Act and the … Read More
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