Battery Backup Power Disclosure Obligations Go Into Effect February 1, 2017 for All Providers
January 24, 2017 On August 7, 2015, the FCC released an Order obligating providers of facilities-based fixed, residential voice services, such as interconnected VoIP, that are not line-powered (“Covered Providers”) to provide backup power sources to customers in order to ensure 911 service during a power outage. The Order also obligated Covered Providers to comply with certain consumer disclosure requirements.
FCC Proposes $25,000 Fine Against Tower Owner for Violation of Tower Painting, Lighting and Notice Rules
January 9, 2017 On December 30, 2016, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau released a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture against a tower owner for failing to light and repaint its antenna structures as often as necessary to maintain good visibility, and for failing to notify the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) of a lighting outage. The proposed fine was set at $25,000.
December 30, 2016 With our final update for 2016 we take a brief look back at some key developments and a very brief look ahead to 2017. But above all, we take this opportunity to express our gratitude to you, our clients.
FCC Proposes $392,930 Forfeiture on Telecom Carrier; NAL Alleges Carrier Failed to File Regulatory Fees, Overcharged USF Fees and Transferred Authority to Provide Telecom Services Without FCC Approval
December 12, 2016 On December 2, 2016, the FCC released a Notice of Apparent Liability (“NAL”) alleging that NECC Telecom, Inc. (“NECC”) failed to timely pay regulatory fees, imposed excessive Universal Service Fund (“USF”) surcharges on its international long distance customers and transferred control over its authorizations to provide international and domestic telecommunications service without prior FCC approval. The FCC proposed a total forfeiture of $392,930.
Broadband Privacy Order Released by FCC; New Rules Governing Customer Proprietary Information Adopted; Fate Unclear Under New Administration
November 28, 2016 On November 2, 2016, the FCC released a comprehensive Privacy Order that covers both broadband Internet and other telecommunications services. These rules flow from the FCC’s 2015 reclassification of broadband Internet access service (“BIAS”) as a Title II telecommunications service and the FCC’s decision not to forbear from applying Section 222 of the Communications Act – Privacy of Customer Information (“Section 222”) to broadband. If the rules are permitted to go into effect, they will govern how BIAS providers collect, use and protect their subscribers’ personal information as well as how they communicate with subscribers about their personal information. In general, the rules employ a sensitivity-based approach to consumer choice, require adequate notice, reasonable data security practices and prompt data breach notification.