With scattered holes in enhanced 911 coverage around the U.S. slowly getting filled in, there's no consensus on when or if the U.S. ever will get universal coverage. Experts told us the issue could be mooted by next-generation 911 systems, though many communities without E-911 still are working toward that less-advanced goal. For a Special Report story on NG-911's rollout in New Jersey (see 1904230021).

With scattered holes in enhanced 911 coverage around the U.S. slowly getting filled in, there's no consensus on when or if the U.S. ever will get universal coverage. Experts told us the issue could be mooted by next-generation 911 systems, though many communities without E-911 still are working toward that less-advanced goal. For a Special Report story on NG-911's rollout in New Jersey (see 1904230021).

Questions continue about a $20.4 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) proposed in a Friday speech at the White House by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai (see 1904120065) and whether it will have much effect on closing the digital divide. Pai said the program would connect up to 4 million rural homes and small businesses to high-speed internet. Critics said the FCC appears to be rebranding the Connect America Fund, without any new proposed spending. Some hope the FCC won’t dig into funding for Lifeline and other USF programs.

Questions continue about a $20.4 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) proposed in a Friday speech at the White House by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai (see 1904120065) and whether it will have much effect on closing the digital divide. Pai said the program would connect up to 4 million rural homes and small businesses to high-speed internet. Critics said the FCC appears to be rebranding the Connect America Fund, without any new proposed spending. Some hope the FCC won’t dig into funding for Lifeline and other USF programs.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted 5-0 to give Tri-Co Connections the state’s first eligible telecom carrier (ETC) designation to receive federal Connect America Fund Phase II support. The subsidiary of Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative (TCREC) was a winning bidder in Auction 903 and must participate in the federal Lifeline program, said Thursday's order in docket P-2018-3005127. “Many rural customers in Pennsylvania, including many in the TCREC service footprint, have yet to reap the full benefits of access to high speed broadband-capable networks.” ETC status “promotes both the FCC’s and the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s goals of preserving and advancing universal service and ensuring the availability of quality telecommunications services at just, reasonable, and affordable rates within rural and high-cost areas,” it said.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted 5-0 to give Tri-Co Connections the state’s first eligible telecom carrier (ETC) designation to receive federal Connect America Fund Phase II support. The subsidiary of Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative (TCREC) was a winning bidder in Auction 903 and must participate in the federal Lifeline program, said Thursday's order in docket P-2018-3005127. “Many rural customers in Pennsylvania, including many in the TCREC service footprint, have yet to reap the full benefits of access to high speed broadband-capable networks.” ETC status “promotes both the FCC’s and the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s goals of preserving and advancing universal service and ensuring the availability of quality telecommunications services at just, reasonable, and affordable rates within rural and high-cost areas,” it said.

Expect the District of Columbia Public Service Commission to be “more active” in FCC proceedings, including Lifeline, Chairman Willie Phillips said. A commissioner since 2014, Phillips took the PSC’s top seat this year after three-term Chairman Betty Ann Kane retired. In an interview, Phillips raised concerns about state-federal coordination on the Lifeline National Verifier, which soft-launched in D.C. in February and will hard launch in May. Also, Phillips said he wants to support 5G deployment in the District.

While the FCC looks to revamp its broadband mapping regime, some broadband experts told us the effort is hampered by the discussion not focusing more on including pricing data and involving crowdsourced or locally provided coverage data. ISPs all know each other's prices, but "the public is the only one who doesn't know," said Institute for Local Self-Reliance's Director-Community Broadband Networks Initiative Chris Mitchell. The FCC said the proceeding is still open.

While the FCC looks to revamp its broadband mapping regime, some broadband experts told us the effort is hampered by the discussion not focusing more on including pricing data and involving crowdsourced or locally provided coverage data. ISPs all know each other's prices, but "the public is the only one who doesn't know," said Institute for Local Self-Reliance's Director-Community Broadband Networks Initiative Chris Mitchell. The FCC said the proceeding is still open.

Stakeholder frustration at the FCC not releasing a draft USF NPRM on setting a budget for the fund mounted after Tuesday’s blog post by Commissioner Mike O'Rielly defending the rulemaking. That evening, 16 groups wrote him to request he release "the text of the item prior to any consideration or approval of it on circulation." The groups "appreciate your recent attempts to clarify a few points regarding the item, but we need to know more."