March 30, 2012 On January 10, 2012, the FCC released a Report and Order adopting rules requiring that Emergency Alert System (“EAS”) Participants be able to receive and transmit Common Alerting Protocol (“CAP”)-formatted messages.
FCC Scheduled to Release List of Areas Eligible to Receive “Phase I” Broadband Support by March 31, 2012
March 30, 2012 In its Order reforming the Universal Service Fund (“USF”), the FCC created a “Phase I” process, making $300 million available to price cap carriers to deploy broadband services to unserved locations in specific areas identified by the FCC.
FCC Extends Outage Reporting Requirements to Interconnected VoIP Providers
March 20, 2012 On February 21, 2012, the FCC released an Order extending Part 4 outage-reporting requirements to facilities-based and non-facilities-based interconnected VoIP providers. Reporting requirements are limited to situations where there is a complete loss of interconnected VoIP service on the provider’s network.
New Lifeline Link-up Rules To Go Into Effect Between April 1 and June 1, 2012.
March 20, 2012 On February 6, 2012, the FCC released an Order making significant changes to its Lifeline program. The FCC’s Lifeline program helps subsidize voice telephone service for low-income Americans.
March 20, 2012 Barbara Esbin headlines retransmission consent panel at ACA DC Summit. James Moskowitz to present webinar on Connect America Fund. CM associates to attend Minnesota Telecom Alliance Annual Convention. Congratulations to associate Jake Baldwin on his February 18 wedding to Kasey Hollinrake.
FCC’s Enforcement Bureau Issues Notice of Apparent Liability to Cable Operator For Delaying Access to Public Inspection File
February 17, 2012 On February 13, 2012, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau Office in New Orleans issued a Notice of Apparent Liability (“NAL”) to Allen’s TV Cable Service, Inc., for failing to make its public inspection file available upon request during regular business hours. The potential fine was set at $10,000.