Court Strikes Down Parts of FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules
January 17, 2014 On January 14, 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued a decision in Verizon v. FCC, striking down key parts of the FCC’s 2010 Open Internet Order, also known as the “Net Neutrality” Order.
CVAA Accessibility Compliance Certificate due April 1, 2014
January 6, 2014 Telecommunications carriers, interconnected VoIP and advanced communications services providers must file their annual accessibility compliance certificate (covering 2013) by April 1, 2014. This certificate certifies that the provider has operating procedures in place to ensure compliance with the recordkeeping requirements contained within the FCC’s rules adopted in accordance with the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (“CVAA”) of 2010.
Funding Opportunities for Service Providers Interested in Serving Schools, Libraries, and Health Care Facilities
December 13, 2013 Cable operators and telephone companies interested in serving schools, libraries, and health care facilities that receive funds for broadband or telephone services under the E-Rate program and Rural Health Care Programs should be aware of some upcoming application windows:
• January 6, 2014 – Application window opens for applicants to the E-Rate program
• March 2, 2014 – Application window opens for the Rural Health Care programs
More detail about the application processes follows for those interested in participating in the E-Rate or the Rural Health Care Programs.
New Procedures for Consumer Accessibility Complaints
November 15, 2013 In a Public Notice released yesterday, the FCC reminded providers of its new procedures for handling consumer complaints about the accessibility of communications services. A brief review of the FCC’s accessibility rules and new enforcement procedures follows.
FCC Adopts Accessible User Interface Order, Sets Size-Based Compliance Deadlines
November 4, 2013 On October 31, 2013, the FCC released its anticipated Order implementing portions of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010.
Telecommunications Provider Makes $475,000 Voluntary Contribution to U.S. Treasury to Settle FCC Investigation into Regulatory Fee and Reporting Compliance Violations
October 8, 2013 On September 23, 2013, the FCC released an Order adopting a Consent Decree with Lightyear Network Solutions, LLC (“Lightyear”) terminating and resolving an investigation by the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau into whether Lightyear violated various regulatory fee and reporting obligations. Specifically, the investigation looked into Lightyear’s required contributions to the Universal Service Fund (“USF”), Telecommunications Relay Service (“TRS”) Fund, and North American Numbering Plan and Local Number Portability administration. As part of the Consent Decree, Lightyear will make a voluntary contribution of $475,000 to the U.S. Treasury.