The Regulatory Mix, TMI’s daily blog of regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court, issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of a TMI Regulatory Bulletin.
TELECOM
Missouri
The Public Service Commission scheduled a hearing regarding the Missouri Universal Service Fund for October 21, 2013. In December 2012, the PSC initiated a new rulemaking to amend the existing rules to update requirements applicable to eligible telecommunications carriers and the operations of the Missouri USF. The PSC said “the rules are necessary in order to clarify guidelines and requirements regarding the Universal Service Fund, a federal program that provides monetary support for telecommunications services for low-income households.”
Nebraska
The Public Service Commission opened a docket to investigate ways to increase broadband adoption among low-income consumers in Nebraska. The PSC seeks comment on whether to expand the Nebraska Telephone Assistance Program (NTAP) to include a broadband subscription component. Such support would offset the recurring rate for broadband services for qualifying low-income consumers. Alternatively, the PSC may use this proceeding to investigate other programs initiated by carriers to increase broadband adoption for low-income consumers. Parties interested in commenting are asked to respond to a series of questions by September 30, 2013.
New Mexico
The Public Regulation Commission rescheduled two of its planned workshops to consider changes to parts of its State Rural Universal Service Fund (SRUSF). At the August 12, 2013, workshop, there was general agreement that it would be more efficient for the participants and the Commission for the remaining workshops to take place on consecutive days following a regularly scheduled open meeting. Therefore, the workshops scheduled for August 26, 2013, and September 9, 2013, were rescheduled to September 18 and 19, 2013. A cumulative status report for all workshops will be discussed at the final workshop. (See TMI Bulletin dated July 16, 2013.)
See an expample of our extensive regulatory monitoring services by reviewing this sample Bulletin via the button below.
Identify applicable fees and funds in each of the states where you are currently offering services. See our Telecommunications Funds Matris.
Don’t miss TMI’s FREE 1/2 Day VoIP Workshop at COMPTEL PLUS in Orlando, Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 8:30 a.m.
