Electric Utilities Blast USTelecom Pole-Attachment Filings
Electric utilities slammed two USTelecom FCC pole-attachment filings: a March 22 letter and a Nov. 21, report (see 1711220012). The telco group "relies upon irrelevant data, misunderstands the few relevant data points within its own report, and -- as is…
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the case with the entire ILEC argument in this docket -- completely omits critical facts and data," said a filing posted Wednesday in docket 17-84 by Ameren Services, American Electric Power Service, Duke Energy, Entergy, Oncor Electric Delivery, Southern Co., Tampa Electric and Westar Energy. USTelecom's "entire message is premised upon the false assumption that a difference in 'rates' necessarily translates into a difference in competitive advantage," the utilities said. The association "takes the inaccurately narrow view that the only relevant contractual term for purposes of evaluating competitive neutrality is the recurring rate," they said. "The recurring rate is only one piece of a much larger, sophisticated puzzle." The utilities said USTelecom data shows ILEC contributions to pole costs dropped since 2008 as they own fewer poles; its "report relies on a contrived narrative regarding the threat of removal of attachments;" proposed rule 1.1424 revisions "would distort competition and disrupt broadband deployment;" and its submissions "trade in the myths of 'repeated disputes' and 'inadequate bargaining power.'" USTelecom didn't comment.