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
FCC
IP Transition
At its August 6, 2015, Open Meeting the FCC adopted two items regarding the IP transition. See our Blog, “FCC Adopts Rules for the IP Transition,” dated 8/6/15.
Annual Broadband Progress Report
At the same meeting, the FCC also launched its 11th inquiry concerning the progress toward deploying broadband to all Americans on a reasonable and timely basis. (By law, the FCC is required to make this assessment on an annual basis.) Since mobile broadband has become increasingly important for many users, the FCC is seeking comment on whether consumer access to both mobile and fixed broadband should now be the standard by which to make this judgment. In the event mobile broadband is added to the assessment, the FCC is seeking comment on what speed of service should serve as the benchmark for assessing availability. The FCC is also proposing to consider the availability of fixed satellite broadband in its annual assessment of fixed broadband availability. Other areas for comment include whether the FCC should consider: (1) standards beyond speed when assessing broadband deployment, including latency and consistency of service; and (2) factors beyond physical deployment, including pricing and data allowances, privacy, and broadband adoption.
The Department of Telecommunications and Cable initiated a review of regulations under Titles 207 and 220 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (Code). Title 207 addresses: general rules; licensing; transfer or assignment of control; rate regulation; and billing and termination of service. Title 220 addresses: procedural rules including tariffs, schedules, and contracts; pole attachment, duct, conduit, and right-of-way complaint and enforcement procedures; and slamming, and disputes involving competing telecommunications carriers. Comments in response to the Department-issued questions are due no later than August 14, 2015. The Department will hold an informal listening session on August 19, 2015. TMI Regulatory Bulletin Service subscribers see Bulletin dated 7/30/15.
