Today’s Regulatory Mix: Nebraska PSC Opens Broadband Docket, Vermont Enacts New Broadband Law, FCC Seeks Comment on Proposal to Shorten Timeframe for Certain Small Providers to Implement STIR/SHAKEN
Nebraska PSC Opens Broadband Docket
The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) announced that it had opened a docket to initiate the implementation of the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act. Signed into law on May 26, the act provides grants to fund the deployment of broadband networks in unserved and underserved. It will be overseen by the PSC. “This is an exciting time at the Public Service Commission,” said Dan Watermeier, Commission Chair. “We are looking forward to implementing a program that will help to bring broadband to more Nebraskans over the next two years.” Applications for the first round of grants must be submitted to the Commission on or before October 1, for fiscal year 2021-22 and on or before July 1 for the following fiscal years.
Vermont Enacts New Broadband Law
Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed H.360 into law, accelerating broadband development throughout the state. “Expanding access to broadband is critical in a 21st Century economy, and after more than a year in a pandemic that required us to be in our homes and online more than ever, that fact has never been more apparent. That’s why I proposed spending more than $250 million over the next few years to connect more Vermonters to broadband and cell service than ever before. This is essential to helping our rural communities thrive and attracting and retaining more workers,” explained Governor Scott. “The bill helps us work towards these goals by establishing programs to connect unserved and underserved homes and businesses to high-speed broadband service, working in partnership with communications union districts.
FCC Seeks Comment on Proposal to Shorten Timeframe for Certain Small Providers to Implement STIR/SHAKEN
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeks comment on the proposal that would require some small providers to implement STIR/SHAKEN by June 30, 2022. Recent evidence suggests that a subset of small voice service providers is originating a large and increasing number of illegal robocalls. Comments are due July 9, 2021 and reply comments August 9, 2021.
The Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (TRACED Act) required the FCC to adopt rules requiring voice service providers (Providers) to implement STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication technology in the Internet Protocol (IP) portions of their networks by June 30, 2021.
Inteserra Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 6/9/21
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The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related 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 an Inteserra Briefing.
