The FCC has adopted a framework by which to (a) reform and re-purpose the distribution of billions of dollars in Universal Service Fund money and (b) revise the financial arrangements governing the exchange of traffic between all categories of carriers.… Continue Reading
The Commission has invited comments on a wide range of proposed changes to the Lifeline and Link Up components of the Low-Income program funded by the Universal Service Fund.… Continue Reading
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step . . . and also (when it comes to overhauling the Universal Service Fund and Intercarrier Compensation regime) with a 229-page Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. We summarize that NPRM here.… 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
Deadlines for comments on the FCC's proposal to overhaul the Universal Service Fund and Intercarrier Compensation system have been set.… Continue Reading
Back in December the FCC adopted an Order permitting it to re-purpose monies relinquished by carriers who are no longer ETCs in particular states. From the text of the Order, we thought the Commission wanted to make the Order "effective" as of December 30. Now we're not so sure.… Continue Reading
It's official! The FCC had grabbed hold of USF funds left on the table when Verizon Wireless and Sprint-Nextel gave up their ETC status in certain markets (in fulfillment of conditions placed on approvals of their mergers).… Continue Reading
The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service has adopted a Recommended Decision concerning implementation of the Low Income component of the Universal Service Fund.… Continue Reading
Deadlines for comments and replies on the FCC's proposal to "reclaim" some USF funds and redirect them toward broadband have been established.… Continue Reading
The Commission's new USF game plan involves the likely dedication of hundreds of millions of dollars to subsidize broadband. Precisely how the Commission justifies its proposed approach may raise some eyebrows.… Continue Reading
One more element has been added to the full-court governmental press aimed at extending broadband to as many people as possible: a bill proposing to reform the multi-billion dollar Universal Service Fund.… Continue Reading
In an impressive display of regulatory shock and awe, the FCC has put a substantial dent in its NBP to-do list by launching six separate proceedings.… Continue Reading
One of the problems which has long vexed the FCC is how to adapt the Universal Service Fund and Inter-Carrier Compensation regime to the world of the internet. The advent of broadband provides an opportunity to break the logjam in the context of a migration to all-digital, all-IP networks.… Continue Reading
