Revised Tower Registration Procedures to be Effective Soon
May 11, 2012 The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau is expected to announce shortly that the Office of Management and Budget has approved the FCC’s new environmental notification process for antenna structure registrations. The Bureau recently released a Public Notice covering the new process, and will host a webinar demonstration of the changes May 21, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EDT.
FCC Announces July 2, 2012 Deadline to File Annual Reports on High-Cost Support
May 11, 2012 On May 8, 2012, the FCC issued a Public Notice notifying Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (“ETCs”) that receive high-cost support that reporting requirements for high-cost support required by newly effective FCC rule sections 54.313(a)(2) through (a)(6) and (h) must be filed by July 2, 2012.
FCC Launches Rulemaking to Reform USF Contribution Methodology
May 11, 2012 On April 30, 2012, the FCC released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) requesting input on how to reform its Universal Service Fund (“USF”) contribution methodology. This proceeding promises to result in sweeping changes to the current USF contribution system and will likely expand the number of services subject to the USF rules. All providers of telecommunications and information services should stay abreast of these developments.
April 27, 2012 The FCC recently released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to begin review of its program access rules. Comments are due June 22, 2012, with reply comments due July 23, 2012.
FCC Adopts Methodology for Establishing High Cost Loop Support Benchmark for Rate-of-Return Carriers
April 27, 2012 On April 25, 2012, the FCC adopted an Order establishing a long-awaited methodology for setting the new High Cost Loop Support (“HCLS”) levels that rate-of-return carriers may receive from the Universal Service /Connect America Fund. Appendix B applies the new methodology to identify the benchmarks for each rate-of-return carrier.