FCC Seeks Additional Input in USF/ICC Reform

In the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Fund/Intercarrier Compensation reform proceeding, a number of parties have offered specific proposals for reform, including a proposal by the State Members of the Federal-State Universal Service Joint Board (State Members), the “RLEC Plan” put forward by the Joint Rural Associations, and the “America’s Broadband Connectivity Plan” filed by six Price Cap Companies (“ABC Plan”). The FCC now seeks comment on how these proposals comport with the FCC’s articulated objectives and statutory requirements. The FCC invites comment on specific aspects of the proposals and on additional issues that are not fully developed in the record.

Issues include: Separate support for mobile broadband, Elimination of rural/non-rural carrier distinctions, Connect America Fund (CAF) support for price cap areas, Reforms for Rate-of-Return carriers, Consumer equity, High-cost areas, CAF Support for Alaska, Hawaii, Tribal lands, U.S. Territories and Other Areas, Interim Reforms for Price Cap Carriers.

Comments due August 24, 2011. Reply comments are due August 31, 2011.