The FCC would put over $2 billion in broadband-oriented rural subsidies up for grabs over the next decade in a reverse auction of Connect America Fund (CAF) support, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said Wednesday. "We hope the power of competitive bidding will spark robust broadband deployment and service offerings across rural America in the most cost-efficient way possible," he said in a blog post on a draft CAF Phase II auction order and other items on the tentative agenda for the commission's May 25 meeting (see 1605040066).
The FCC would put over $2 billion in broadband-oriented rural subsidies up for grabs over the next decade in a reverse auction of Connect America Fund (CAF) support, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said Wednesday. "We hope the power of competitive bidding will spark robust broadband deployment and service offerings across rural America in the most cost-efficient way possible," he said in a blog post on a draft CAF Phase II auction order and other items on the tentative agenda for the commission's May 25 meeting (see 1605040066).
Mediation could break through stubborn disagreement between Verizon and striking union workers, but only if the parties are willing to negotiate, labor and mediation experts said. The strike continued into this week after the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers balked at Verizon’s “last, best and final offer” Thursday (see 1604280064). Over the weekend, Verizon cut off benefits for strikers and brought in more replacement workers. The company and unions have differed over whether a federal mediator has even yet become involved in the issue.
Mediation could break through stubborn disagreement between Verizon and striking union workers, but only if the parties are willing to negotiate, labor and mediation experts said. The strike continued into this week after the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers balked at Verizon’s “last, best and final offer” Thursday (see 1604280064). Over the weekend, Verizon cut off benefits for strikers and brought in more replacement workers. The company and unions have differed over whether a federal mediator has even yet become involved in the issue.
A magistrate judge recommended against dismissing Charter’s challenge of a Minnesota Public Utilities Commission order asserting state authority over interconnected VoIP services. The report and recommendation (in Pacer) by U.S. Magistrate Judge Hildy Bowbeer isn't an order or judgment, and parties may object to the recommendation within 14 days. The U.S. District Court in Minnesota can issue an order 14 days after objections and responses are filed.
A magistrate judge recommended against dismissing Charter’s challenge of a Minnesota Public Utilities Commission order asserting state authority over interconnected VoIP services. The report and recommendation (in Pacer) by U.S. Magistrate Judge Hildy Bowbeer isn't an order or judgment, and parties may object to the recommendation within 14 days. The U.S. District Court in Minnesota can issue an order 14 days after objections and responses are filed.
A Senate Republican appropriator questioned how the FCC handled its recent rate of return USF overhaul and is pressing for inquiries, he told NTCA members Tuesday. Scores of NTCA members flew to Washington this week for a meeting and to lobby congressional offices Tuesday.
A Senate Republican appropriator questioned how the FCC handled its recent rate of return USF overhaul and is pressing for inquiries, he told NTCA members Tuesday. Scores of NTCA members flew to Washington this week for a meeting and to lobby congressional offices Tuesday.
FairPoint sheds provider-of-last-resort (POLR) obligations in several Maine markets under a bill signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Paul LePage (R). The Legislature approved LD-466 Monday. FairPoint pushed for the law, and after a long stakeholder negotiation, the bill won support from the Maine Public Advocate because it imposes rate caps and adds teeth to service quality enforcement by the Public Utilities Commission. A free-market supporter said POLR obligations are outdated and should be removed across the U.S.
Lowenstein Sandler hires Evan Bienstock, ex-Mintz Levin, as partner, Tech group ... American Library Association names Roger Rosen, Rosen Publishing, senior adviser-Office for Information Technology Policy, and names to two-year terms on new Public Policy Advisory Council: Laurent Crenshaw, Yelp; Skip Dye, Penguin Random House; Amma Felix, United Negro College Fund; Alan Fishel, Arent Fox; Keith Krueger, Consortium for School Networking; Tiffany Moore and Michael Petricone, both from CTA; Piper Nieters Su, Advisory Board Co.; Katherine Oyama, Google; Jon Peha, Carnegie Mellon University; Brooks Rainwater, National League of Cities; Jocelyn Richgels, Rural Policy Research Institute; Tony Sarmiento, Senior Service America; Michael Scurato, National Hispanic Media Coalition; and David Young, Verizon.