The FCC has released its updated Form 499-A and accompanying instructions. This year's update has some interesting twists. All telecommunications providers are also reminded that the annual FCC Form 499-A filing is due by April Fools' Day (that's April 1, 2013). Late filings can be subject to severe penalties. So don't be foolish - file on time!… Continue Reading
OMB has signed off on the "information collection" components of the FCC's revised rules governing the Internet Telecommunications Relay Service.… Continue Reading
That "other" April deadline is right around the corner - that would be the deadline by which all telecommunications carriers are required to file FCC Form 499-A.… Continue Reading
A single petition for reconsideration of the iTRS rules adopted last August has been filed, and the deadlines for responding to the petition have just been announced.… Continue Reading
In its current drive to be "data driven," the FCC has spared no detail. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking runs 109 pages, with 312 question marks and the phrase "we seek comment" appearing 167 times.… Continue Reading
A couple of FCC actions from last August have made it into the Federal Register. As a result, we now have effective dates for most (but not all) of the wireless backhaul and iTRS rules adopted back then.… Continue Reading
Last week we reported on a proposal to expand the requirement that VoIP providers contribute to the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund. Deadlines for comments on that proposal have now been set.… Continue Reading
At Congress's direction, the FCC is moving forward with proposals that would (a) substantially increase regulatory burdens on VoIP providers and (b) immerse the Commission in areas that aren't exactly within its area of expertise.… Continue Reading
Weeks before the next Form 499-A deadline, the FCC slaps a six-figure fine on a telecom carrier for (among other things) failing to file its annual Form 499-A. There's probably a message there.… Continue Reading
The FCC is proposing to restrict the issuance of toll-free telephone numbers affording access to deaf and hard-of-hearing people for use with the Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Service.… Continue Reading