New FCC rules on the Lifeline and Link Up take effect Feb. 8, says Thursday's Federal Register. The rules remove broadband from the list of services supported by Lifeline and preserve the commission's authority to fund broadband through the program, as part of acting on a court remand mostly upholding other net neutrality deregulation.
FCC members condemned violence erupting on Capitol Hill by pro-Trump forces Wednesday. And now two FCC GOP members have explicitly acknowledged that, contrary to President Donald Trump's wishes, Joe Biden is slated to become the next president in a few weeks. See our news bulletin here. Before recent days, those commissioners were largely silent on the issue.
New FCC rules on the Lifeline and Link Up take effect Feb. 8, says Thursday's Federal Register. The rules remove broadband from the list of services supported by Lifeline and preserve the commission's authority to fund broadband through the program, as part of acting on a court remand mostly upholding other net neutrality deregulation.
Alaska Communications Systems announced a $332 million sale to ATN International Monday, ending the agreement it originally had with Macquarie Capital and GCM Grosvenor (see 2012150033). The all-cash transaction is expected to close in Q2, and ACS said it paid the $6.8 million termination fee to Macquarie and GCM. The purchase will "allow us to enhance our expanded fiber network services and drive long-term value," said ACS CEO Bill Bishop.
The FCC seeks comment on how to best distribute a $3.2 billion emergency broadband connectivity fund (see 2012210055), said a Wireline Bureau public notice Monday. Comments are due Jan. 25, replies Feb. 16, in docket 20-445. The funds are part of Congress' latest COVID-19 relief bill. Providers seeking to participate must be designated as eligible telecom carriers or approved by the commission. Eligible households will receive a discount of up to $50 monthly, those on tribal lands up to $75. "Our staff is moving quickly to stand up this program so we can quickly direct funding to consumers who need the help," said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said: "We need to find ways to get 100% of us connected in this country and this program is an essential part of making that happen.”
The FCC seeks comment on how to best distribute a $3.2 billion emergency broadband connectivity fund (see 2012210055), said a Wireline Bureau public notice Monday. Comments are due Jan. 25, replies Feb. 16, in docket 20-445. The funds are part of Congress' latest COVID-19 relief bill. Providers seeking to participate must be designated as eligible telecom carriers or approved by the commission. Eligible households will receive a discount of up to $50 monthly, those on tribal lands up to $75. "Our staff is moving quickly to stand up this program so we can quickly direct funding to consumers who need the help," said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said: "We need to find ways to get 100% of us connected in this country and this program is an essential part of making that happen.”
The North American Numbering Council will meet Feb. 4 to discuss the feasibility and cost of including automatic dispatchable locations for the anticipated 988 suicide hotline, a public notice said Thursday. NANC will also receive an update from the Secure Telephone Identity Governance Authority. The virtual meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. EST.
The North American Numbering Council will meet Feb. 4 to discuss the feasibility and cost of including automatic dispatchable locations for the anticipated 988 suicide hotline, a public notice said Thursday. NANC will also receive an update from the Secure Telephone Identity Governance Authority. The virtual meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. EST.
USF is reaching a tipping point, industry experts said in recent interviews. Revenue continues to decline, and the contribution factor is expected to reach a record 31.8% (see 2012150018). As President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office, there's some hope among broadband advocates that he will nominate someone to the FCC who brings the political will to tackle USF revisions.
USF is reaching a tipping point, industry experts said in recent interviews. Revenue continues to decline, and the contribution factor is expected to reach a record 31.8% (see 2012150018). As President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office, there's some hope among broadband advocates that he will nominate someone to the FCC who brings the political will to tackle USF revisions.