FCC Issues Tentative Agenda for October 22 Open Meeting
The FCC issued a tentative agenda on October 1, 2015, for its October 22, 2015 Open Meeting. Read more here.
Emerging Wireline Networks and Services FNPRM Comment Deadlines Set
On August 6, 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) adopted a Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding promoting the transitions from networks based on time-division multiplexed circuit-switched voice services running on copper loops to all-Internet Protocol multimedia networks using a variety of physical infrastructure
FCC Adopts FY 2015 Regulatory Fee Schedule
The FCC recently adopted its fiscal year (FY) 2015 regulatory fee schedule. Pursuant to its FY 2015 appropriation, the Commission will collect $339,844,000 in regulatory fees. Read more here.
Price Cap Carriers Accept $1.5 Billion in Annual CAF Phase II Support
By Tony Veach on Aug 28, 2015 10:54 am In April 2015, the FCC formally offered annual Connect America Fund (CAF) Phase II support to 10 price cap incumbent local exchange carriers with the condition that they use it to deploy voice and broadband-capable networks in their rural service areas.
FCC Databases Going Down September 2-8; Filing Deadlines Extended
By Robert Silverman on Aug 21, 2015 01:24 pm Almost all of the FCC’s databases—including the Universal Licensing System, Electronic Comment Filing System, Antenna Structure Registration system, Tower Construction Notification System, Fee Filer, and many others—will be down for upgrades and improvements starting as early as midnight on Wednesday, September
Long Distance Calling Cards To Become Relics of the Past
AT&T is making an appeal to the FCC to phase out long distance calling card services to businesses. AT&T says usage of these services is on the decline. As newer communications methods have become more prevalent, the calling card may not be far behind public telephone booths as relics of times gone
USDA Announces Available Funding for Farm Bill Broadband Loan Program
WASHINGTON, July 30, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of loans to build broadband in rural areas, along with changes to the program required by the 2014 Farm Bill.
FCC Clarifies Scope of Evergreen Contract Exemption
FCC Clarifies Scope of Evergreen Contract Exemption The FCC clarified the scope of the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program's evergreen contractcompetitive bidding exemption in a Public Notice (DA 15-809) released July 10, 2015. The December 2012 Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Order (FCC 12-150) states that: If an HCP has a
FCC Takes Steps to Modernize and Reform Lifeline Program for Broadband
News from the Federal Communications Commission June 18, 2015 The FCC took significant steps to modernize its Lifeline Program (FCC 15-71), seeking comment on restructuring the program to better support 21st century communications while building on existing reforms to continue strengthening protections against waste, fraud, and abuse. Read the article
2015 FCC Form 499-Q Now Available: Due by August 3
Each quarter, telecommunications carriers and interconnected VoIP providers, that are not de minimis, and that are required to contribute directly to the universal service fund must file the FCC Form 499-Q (Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet) with USAC. The next FCC Form 499-Q is due to USAC Monday, August 3. The information