Category: Blog

FCC Tries Again to Stop Access Arbitrage

Like a bad penny, the issue of access arbitrage continues to turn up every year or two. The last time we confronted this issue was in 2019, when the FCC released the Access Arbitrage Order, in Docket 18-155, in which it revised its Access Stimulation Rules to prohibit local exchange carriers (LECs) and Intermediate Access Providers from gaming the inter-carrier compensation process by inflating traffic volumes to maximize access charge revenues.

FCC Deadlines Loom for Broadband Data Collection and Stir/Shaken Implementation

The summer slowdown for the FCC may be looming, but there is no downtime for telecommunications carriers. Broadband data collection (BDC) filings are due for all ISPs on September 1, 2022, while non-facilities-based telecom providers must implement the Stir-Shaken caller ID authentication system by June 30, 2022.

FCC Proposes Rules for Broadband Connectivity Program

On June 8, 2022, in Docket 21-450, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice) intended to establish rules for collecting data on the price and subscription rates of broadband services obtained by consumers enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program (Program).

Potential New FCC Commissioner Withering on the Vine

Eight months ago, President Joe Biden nominated Gigi Sohn to be the fifth FCC commissioner and third Democrat, finally breaking the two-two tie that had stymied the return of net neutrality and other stronger broadband controls.

FCC Seeks Higher Speeds for Rural Broadband Providers

On May 20, 2022, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in Docket 10-90 seeking industry comments on a proposal by the Alternative Connect America Broadband Coalition (Coalition) designed to achieve widespread deployment of 100/20 Mbps broadband service throughout rural areas served by rate-of-return carriers currently receiving Alternative Connect America Cost Model (ACAM) support.

911 image

FCC Seeks Feasibility of Location-Based Routing of Wireless 911 Calls

With today’s technology, when Americans make a 911 call over a wireline telephone, the call will be directed to, and answered by, a public safety answering point (PSAP) that can immediately dispatch aid to the caller’s location. The same scenario doesn’t always work when 911 calls are made on wireless phones and can have dangerous consequences.

FCC Eases Budget Controls for Some Rate-of-Return ILECs

On May 10, 2022, the FCC released an Order in Docket 10-90 in which it temporarily waives, on its own volition, the application of the budget control mechanism for rate-of-return (ROR) carriers that receive high-cost

FCC Makes New Moves to Stop Foreign Robocalls

Stopping illegal robocalls that originate abroad remains a particular problem for the Commission because of the difficulty in reaching foreign-based robocallers and the foreign voice service providers that originate their traffi