Industry and consumer groups urged the FCC to proceed with a proposal to take additional steps aimed at curbing abuse of the numbering access authorization process. Replies were posted through Tuesday in docket 20-67 (see 2311300067). In addition, some groups opposed the proceeding, calling it unnecessary and potentially burdensome for providers.
NTIA "directionally aligned" its approach to the broadband, equity, access and deployment (BEAD) program in a policy notice released Tuesday. The notice signaled NTIA's BEAD approach is generally in line with the Treasury Department's broadband infrastructure projects and the FCC's USF policies. The notice comes after NTIA received more than 60 comments from a range of stakeholders seeking exceptions and program adjustments.
Industry groups continued to disagree on whether the FCC should include an assessment of broadband speed benchmarks and higher speed goals in its annual report to Congress about the state of broadband deployment and competition. At issue is Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel's proposal in the agency's notice of inquiry to increase the definition of broadband to 100/20 Mbps with a long-term goal of reaching 1 GB/500 Mbps. Reply comments were posted Tuesday in docket 22-270 (see 2312040024).
Industry and consumer groups clashed on whether the FCC should reclassify broadband internet access as a Title II service under the Communications Act in comments posted through Friday in docket 23-320 (see 2310190020). Commenters against reclassification warned that it would stifle innovation and competition. Supporters said the proposal would ensure consumers have equal access to broadband ahead of anticipated federal broadband deployment programs.
The FCC didn't violate the nondelegation doctrine when it used the Universal Service Administrative Co. to calculate quarterly USF contribution factors and administer USF programs, a federal court ruled Thursday. In denying Consumers' Research's challenge of the FCC contribution factor (see 2306220062), the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals noted "all USAC action is subordinate to the FCC, and the FCC retains ultimate decision-making power."
The FCC didn't violate the nondelegation doctrine when it used the Universal Service Administrative Co. to calculate quarterly USF contribution factors and administer USF programs, a federal court ruled Thursday. In denying Consumers' Research's challenge of the FCC contribution factor (see 2306220062), the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals noted "all USAC action is subordinate to the FCC, and the FCC retains ultimate decision-making power."
Citing the need to speed up resolution of pole attachment disputes, FCC commissioners during their open meeting Wednesday unanimously adopted an order, declaratory ruling and Further NPRM revising rules to make for faster and cheaper broadband deployment. The item builds on a 2022 proceeding seeking comment on the commission's cost allocation principles (see 2203160031).
Utility pole owners, ISPs and advocacy groups widely backed the FCC's efforts to expedite the pole attachment application process in a draft order, declaratory ruling and Further NPRM that commissioners will consider during an agency meeting next week (see 2311210043). Some sought additional clarification of definitions and transparency requirements. Others urged the FCC to add specificity to the application review process.
Industry and consumer groups disagreed on whether updating the FCC's broadband speed benchmarks is necessary (see 2311010062). Some cited ongoing federal broadband deployment programs and private investments and encouraged the FCC to focus its report to Congress regarding the state of broadband on policies that could further facilitate deployment. Comments were posted Friday and Monday in docket 22-270.
Industry and consumer groups disagreed in comments posted Thursday in docket 20-67 on whether certain certification and disclosure requirements would hinder efforts to strengthen the FCC's direct numbering access authorization process. Commissioners sought comment in a Further NPRM adopted during the agency's September meeting proposing to impose new rules on interconnected VoIP providers seeking direct access (see 2309210055).