U.S. Cellular representatives asked FCC staff to “articulate an appropriate waiver standard” and “explain how U.S. Cellular meets those standards,” at a meeting on why the Wireline Bureau denied the company’s request for a waiver of Universal Service Fund high-cost filing deadlines, said an ex parte filing. U.S. Cellular noted that the FCC looks at a number of factors, including extenuating circumstances, severe hardship, immediate remedying of omission, adoption of safeguards against recurrence and a history of compliance. “Applying the multi-factor test, the facts set forth in U.S. Cellular’s waiver petition easily meet the FCC’s standard,” the carrier said.

Sprint Nextel representatives discussed the carrier’s phase out of its federal high-cost Universal Service Fund support during a meeting with FCC Wireline Bureau Chief Sharon Gillett and others at the commission, said an ex parte filing.

AT&T, CenturyLink and others filed a petition requesting either a clarification or partial reconsideration of an FCC Wireline Bureau order. The order directs TelePacific to give the Universal Service Administrative Co. the names and contact information of its wholesale providers of transmission services, the petition said. The bureau should confirm that “TelePacific’s underlying wholesale carriers cannot be forced to restate prior year revenues and make additional contributions to the Universal Service Fund,” petitioners said.

Acting on the National Broadband Plan would hurt rural areas, said Reps. Sam Graves, R-Mo., Betsy Markey, D-Colo., and 38 other House members. In a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, the legislators said the plan “sets the United States on a course toward a greater digital divide between urban and rural areas.” The plan sets a goal of 100 Mbps for 100 million by 2020, and a short-term goal of at least 4 Mbps through universal service. Having separate goals goes against the original intent of the Universal Service Fund, the legislators said. “Our grave concern is that implementing the NBP as recommended will not provide all Americans with adequate broadband service because it puts at risk the regulatory structure and support that rural communications providers need to maintain and expand their networks,” they said. “We request that you seriously consider these concerns and that you take the appropriate steps to modify the plan’s recommendations to ensure all Americans play a role in, and benefit from, the global communications leadership Congress envisioned this plan evoking.” Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., said earlier this month he’s writing a similar letter with colleagues in the Senate (CD May 20 p10) . NTCA, the Western Telecommunications Alliance and the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies said Friday that they backed the House letter. The FCC declined to comment.

Acting on the National Broadband Plan would hurt rural areas, said Reps. Sam Graves, R-Mo., Betsy Markey, D-Colo., and 38 other House members. In a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowkski, the legislators said the plan “sets the United States on a course toward a greater digital divide between urban and rural areas.” The plan sets a goal of 100 Mbps for 100 million by 2020, and a short-term goal of at least 4 Mbps through universal service. Having separate goals goes against the original intent of the Universal Service Fund, the legislators said. “Our grave concern is that implementing the NBP as recommended will not provide all Americans with adequate broadband service because it puts at risk the regulatory structure and support that rural communications providers need to maintain and expand their networks,” they said. “We request that you seriously consider these concerns and that you take the appropriate steps to modify the plan’s recommendations to ensure all Americans play a role in, and benefit from, the global communications leadership Congress envisioned this plan evoking.” Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., said earlier this month he’s writing a similar letter with colleagues in the Senate (WID May 19 p2). NTCA, the Western Telecommunications Alliance and the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies said Friday that they backed the House letter. The FCC declined to comment.

Utah’s Public Service Commission meets Tuesday to act on an application by Carbon/Emery Telcom for an increase in rates and charges and Universal Service Fund eligibility. The company and the commission have agreed to terms, including an $881,000 increase in the company’s annual intrastate revenue requirement. Under the agreement, Carbon/Emery could raise its base rates for residential and business services from $15.49 per month and $25.49 per month, respectively, to $16.50 and $26.00. The resulting annual revenue increase, estimated at $93,000, would be used in determining the company’s USF eligibility. The company’s total annual USF distribution would rise to slightly more than $1 million. The company agreed not to file for an increase in USF distribution based on 2010 results of operation except in extraordinary financial circumstances.

Free Press and Public Knowledge said they're concerned that wireless is getting special treatment in a notice of inquiry about Chairman Julius Genachowski’s “third way” broadband reclassification proposal. That’s based on discussions they've held at the commission and on a notice on the June meeting. Wireless industry representatives had no comment Friday. Meanwhile, AT&T and USTelecom noted that a majority of House members appear to oppose the reclassification proposal.

The three legislators most likely to be the next House Commerce Committee Republican leader have been active on telecom in the Communications Subcommittee. Current Ranking Member Joe Barton, R-Texas, could have to relinquish his post after the November election due to a House GOP caucus rule limiting Republicans to three two-year terms at the top of committees, whether the party is in the majority or minority. Communications Subcommittee Ranking Member Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., wants the job, his spokesman said. Telecom industry lobbyists said Reps. Fred Upton, R-Mich., and John Shimkus, R-Ill., may have a better shot.

The three legislators most likely to be the next House Commerce Committee Republican leader have been active on telecom in the Communications Subcommittee. Current Ranking Member Joe Barton, R-Texas, could have to relinquish his post after the November election due to a House GOP caucus rule limiting Republicans to three two-year terms at the top of committees, whether the party is in the majority or minority. Communications Subcommittee Ranking Member Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., wants the job, his spokesman said. Telecom industry lobbyists said Reps. Fred Upton, R-Mich., and John Shimkus, R-Ill., may have a better shot.

Nexus Communications’ Reachout Wireless isn’t entitled to federal universal service funds in Tennessee because its Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) designation there only applies to wireline, the Regulatory Authority ruled Monday. “Nexus has misled our legislators and consumers that the TRA has the power to prevent Nexus from providing wireless service,” authority chair Sara Kyle said. “The TRA does not have jurisdiction over wireless providers, and because Nexus never applied to the FCC for proper certification, Nexus does not qualify for reimbursement from federal universal service funds.” The ruling reaffirms that Nexus “is not and has never been” approved under Tennessee law for federal USF reimbursement on 68 free minutes per month it was offering wireless customers qualifying for the Lifeline program, the regulator said. “Nothing in the TRA’s decision interferes with the ability of Nexus to continue to provide wireless service to its customers,” the authority said. “It merely precludes federal reimbursement to the company for the phones and free minutes it gives to its wireless Lifeline customers.” Nexus still can ask the FCC for ETC status, the state agency said. That would qualify the company for federal USF reimbursement for its “free” offerings in Tennessee, the authority said. The regulator advised low-income Tennesseans wanting Lifeline or Link-up service that Tracfone and Virgin Mobile are designated as ETCs and operate in the state.