USTelecom Asks FCC to OK Group's Ask on Unbundling UNEs
USTelecom renewed its request the FCC OK the group's unbundled network elements (UNE) request of forbearance from requiring incumbent LECs unbundle and resell access to some of their networks. Commissioners approved parts of the association's petition last month, forbearing from…
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a duplicative pole attachment rule and some long-distance service and other old reporting requirements, a USTelecom blog post noted Monday. In making that 5-0 vote, FCC members sought action on things like the UNE request, which if not acted on by Aug. 2 would be granted (see 1904120058). "Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and tackle the rest of the Petition" rather than requiring ILECs sell access at "below-market rates set by regulators rather than the marketplace," blogged Patrick Halley, USTelecom senior vice president-advocacy and regulatory affairs. "After nearly a year, detractors have been unable to show why one-time 'incumbent' wireline providers, whose market shares have declined precipitously and who lag wireless and cable competitors, should continue to bear the weight of intrusive regulatory mandates that do not apply to their rivals," Halley filed Monday, in docket 18-141. The FCC declined to comment. Some groups have concerns about USTelecom's request (see 1806220027). Incompas called this "a brazen move" by "AT&T and Verizon’s trade association." USTelecom is trying to "revamp its initial filing for a competition cut off that will result in massive price hikes on broadband customers," Incompas said. The FCC should reject this, said Incompas CEO Chip Pickering.