In TMI’s 2013 Blog article“Nevada Stacks the Odds Against Regulatory Compliance” by Sharon Thomas dated 9/10/13, we provided the details of Nevada’s “zero tolerance” policy for telecom carriers and other regulated utilities who filed late or filed incomplete annual reports, annual assessments, TDD surcharges, and CMRS(wireless) licensing fees. To prepare for 2014 and keep carriers aware of Nevada’s continued zero tolerance policy, we thought an update would be in order.
Background
On August 23, 2013 Nevada’s Regulatory Operations Staff of the PUC reinforced their zero tolerance policy with the release of the “Order to Appear and Show Cause why
Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), Licenses, or Permits should not be revoked and/or why administrative fines should not be imposed on certain companies that have not timely met their regulatory obligations for calendar year 2012 and/or TDD period July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013”.
Several comments were filed in defense of the show cause petition. However, staff proceeded under the jurisdiction of NRC rules 703 and 704. As a result of the PUC’s zero tolerance policy, over 119 listed carriers were fined an estimated $125,000 for filing late or incomplete annual reports, annual assessment and revenue reports, TDD Reports, and CMRS Licensing Fees.
2014 Filing Dates
The Nevada TDD Surcharge Report is due June 30, 2014 and the Nevada Annual Revenue Assessment Report is due on July 1, 2014. Nevada’s policy makes it extremely important that telecom companies comply with the PUC’s filing requirements in order to avoid burdensome fines ranging from $500 to $1,500 for noncompliance, or a revoked CPCN.
If you are unsure of your company’s filing obligations, contact a TMI Consultant and we will provide you with the most current information regarding requirements that apply to you.