CommLaw Monitor
FCC Brings Telecom Carrier Pole Attachment Rates Down to Parity with Cable Rates
In late November, the FCC issued an Order on Reconsideration updating the telecommunications carrier pole attachment formula in its rules. Specifically, the FCC adopted modified cost allocators to bring parity to the…
FCC Bureau Extends Open Internet Order’s Small Provider Exemption Until December 2016; Table Set for Full Commission Review in December 2016
On December 15, 2015, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB or the Bureau) issued a Report and Order extending the temporary exemption for smaller broadband…
DoT Announces “Smart City” Challenge to Increase Infrastructure Efficiency in Urban Areas
On December 7, 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for “Beyond Traffic: The Smart City Challenge,” the first in a two-part solicitation for a federally funded…
FCC Commissioner O’Rielly Questions Commission’s Forfeiture Calculations in Recent Forfeiture Order
On December 7, 2015 the FCC released a Forfeiture Order against PTT Phone Cards, Inc. (formerly Star Pinless) (PTT or the Company), a prepaid calling card service provider that resells international telecommunications…
FCC Expands Hearing Aid Compatibility Rules to Wi-Fi Calling and VoIP and Proposes Compatibility for All Handsets
On November 19, 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) adopted a Fourth Report and Order (R&O) and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), expanding its hearing aid compatibility (HAC) rules to…