Revenue from contributions to state USFs has declined in multiple jurisdictions, we found last week from state USF financial documents and from interviewing state and industry officials. Those officials cited a variety of reasons for the falling revenue. Some cited outdated contribution methodology, while others said the drop is part of deliberate efforts to control the size of funds. Some states reported efforts to revamp USF contribution methodology, and one said its hands were tied by state legislation.
Revenue from contributions to state USFs has declined in multiple jurisdictions, we found last week from state USF financial documents and from interviewing state and industry officials. Those officials cited a variety of reasons for the falling revenue. Some cited outdated contribution methodology, while others said the drop is part of deliberate efforts to control the size of funds. Some states reported efforts to revamp USF contribution methodology, and one said its hands were tied by state legislation.
NARUC and TracFone voiced serious concerns about an FCC draft order to revamp the Lifeline low-income USF support program outlined Tuesday (see 1603080024 and 1603080054). NARUC said a proposal to bypass states in designating Lifeline broadband providers would invite abuses. TracFone said proposed minimum standards would effectively require co-pays that many low-income consumers couldn't afford. Others, including Comcast, welcomed the Lifeline proposals. The cable company applauded the commission’s effort to modernize the program to support broadband and streamline administration.
NARUC and TracFone voiced serious concerns about an FCC draft order to revamp the Lifeline low-income USF support program outlined Tuesday (see 1603080024 and 1603080054). NARUC said a proposal to bypass states in designating Lifeline broadband providers would invite abuses. TracFone said proposed minimum standards would effectively require co-pays that many low-income consumers couldn't afford. Others, including Comcast, welcomed the Lifeline proposals. The cable company applauded the commission’s effort to modernize the program to support broadband and streamline administration.
State and federal regulators need to be focused on making broadband work, experts said during a National Regulatory Research Institute webinar Wednesday. The NRRI event expanded on a panel -- with the same participants -- held at a NARUC meeting in Washington last week (see 1602160004).
State and federal regulators need to be focused on making broadband work, experts said during a National Regulatory Research Institute webinar Wednesday. The NRRI event expanded on a panel -- with the same participants -- held at a NARUC meeting in Washington last week (see 1602160004).
With panels on some of the major telecom concerns, NARUC’s upcoming winter committee meetings will offer some robust discussion, commissioners told us in interviews Thursday. The telecom committee panels Feb. 14-17 coincide with some active proceedings at the FCC, as well, NARUC members said, with topics including Lifeline, carrier of last resort (COLR) and enabling competition in a broadband world, the agenda shows. FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai is expected to speak at a general session about the commission pre-empting state laws on municipal broadband, net neutrality and inmate calling.
With panels on some of the major telecom concerns, NARUC’s upcoming winter committee meetings will offer some robust discussion, commissioners told us in interviews Thursday. The telecom committee panels Feb. 14-17 coincide with some active proceedings at the FCC, as well, NARUC members said, with topics including Lifeline, carrier of last resort (COLR) and enabling competition in a broadband world, the agenda shows. FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai is expected to speak at a general session about the commission pre-empting state laws on municipal broadband, net neutrality and inmate calling.
The Telecom Act ushered in Internet innovation and growth even though it didn’t fully anticipate market developments, said some who helped draft the legislation that became law 20 years ago. Congress didn’t get all the details right, but the 1996 act created a strong competitive framework that was flexible enough to undergird huge investment in communications networks and Internet applications, panelists said at a Tuesday discussion hosted by the Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy.
The Telecom Act ushered in Internet innovation and growth even though it didn’t fully anticipate market developments, said some who helped draft the legislation that became law 20 years ago. Congress didn’t get all the details right, but the 1996 act created a strong competitive framework that was flexible enough to undergird huge investment in communications networks and Internet applications, panelists said at a Tuesday discussion hosted by the Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy.