Jon Brodkin
T-Mobile/Sprint merger will bring higher prices, small carriers tell FCC
T-Mobile's proposed acquisition of Sprint would harm competitors and consumers, particularly in rural America, lobby groups for small carriers say. The Rural Wireless Association (RWA), NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, and other groups filed petitions urging the Federal Communications Commission to block the T-Mobile/Sprint merger this week. "Removing Sprint from the equation through further industry consolidation will result in less competition which will drive prices higher for consumers, and would be decidedly contrary to the public interest," the RWA said.
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AT&T-backed robocalls tell seniors net neutrality raises phone bills by $30
A campaign to stop network neutrality rules in California is targeting senior citizens with robocalls claiming that the rules will raise cell phone bills by $30 a month and slow down their data. The robocalls cite no evidence supporting the claim that net neutrality rules will raise cell phone bills and slow down Internet service. The bill in question would impose net neutrality rules in California that are nearly identical to the ones the Federal Communications Commission had on the books between 2015 and 2018.
ISPs say they can’t expand broadband unless government gives them more money
Broadband providers have spent years lobbying against utility-style regulations that protect consumers from high prices and bad service. But now, broadband lobby groups are arguing that Internet service is similar to utilities such as electricity, gas distribution, roads, and water and sewer networks. In the providers' view, the essential nature of broadband doesn't require more regulation to protect consumers. Instead, they argue that broadband's utility-like status is the reason for the government to give Internet service providers more money.
Speedier broadband standards? Pai’s FCC says 25Mbps is fast enough
The Federal Communications Commission is proposing to maintain the US broadband standard at the current level of 25Mbps downstream and 3Mbps upstream. That's the speed standard the FCC uses each year to determine whether advanced telecommunications capabilities are "being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion." FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel has called on the FCC to raise it, but a new proceeding launched at the FCC this week proposes keeping the standard the same for another year.
Verizon lied about 4G coverage—and it could hurt rural America, group says
The Rural Wireless Association (RWA), which represents rural carriers, told the Federal Communications Commission that Verizon "grossly overstated" its 4G LTE coverage in government filings, potentially preventing smaller carriers from obtaining funding needed to expand coverage in underserved rural areas. In 2017, the Federal Communications Commission required Verizon and other carriers to file maps and data indicating their current 4G LTE coverage. The information will help the FCC determine where to distribute up to $4.5 billion in Mobility Fund money over the next 10 years.
New York orders Charter out of state, says it must sell Time Warner Cable system
The New York State Public Service Commission voted to revoke its approval of Charter Communications' 2016 purchase of Time Warner Cable. The PSC said it is ordering Charter to sell the former TWC system that it purchased in New York, and it's "bring[ing] an enforcement action in State Supreme Court to seek additional penalties for Charter's past failures and ongoing noncompliance." Charter has repeatedly failed to meet deadlines for broadband expansions that were required in exchange for merger approval, state officials said.
Comcast installed Wi-Fi gear without approval—and Corvallis (OR) is not happy
Comcast recently installed Wi-Fi equipment in public rights of way without permits in the city of Corvallis (OR). But instead of settling the matter locally, NCTA—The Internet & Television Association, the cable industry's chief lobby group, told the Federal Communications Commission that it should override municipal permitting processes such as the one in Corvallis. In doing so, the cable lobby group made "misleading and inaccurate" allegations about what actually happened in the Comcast/Corvallis dispute, according to city officials.
New York threatens to kick Charter out of the state after broadband failures
The New York Public Service Commission said Charter Communications could lose its authorization to operate in New York State because of its failure to meet merger-related broadband deployment commitments. Chairman John Rhodes said that "a suite of enforcement actions against [Charter] Spectrum are in development, including additional penalties, injunctive relief, and additional sanctions or revocation of Spectrum's ability to operate in New York State." Charter agreed to expand its network in exchange for state approval of its 2016 purchase of Time Warner Cable.
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FCC stands by decision to raise broadband prices on American Indians
The Federal Communications Commission is refusing to reverse a decision that will take a broadband subsidy away from many American Indians. Under FCC Chairman Ajit Pai's leadership, the FCC voted 3-2 in November 2017 to make it much harder for Tribal residents to obtain a $25-per-month Lifeline subsidy that reduces the cost of Internet or phone service. The changes could take effect as early as October 2018, depending on when they are approved by the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Net neutrality makes comeback in California; lawmakers agree to strict rules
A California network neutrality bill that could impose the toughest rules in the country is being resurrected. The bill was approved in its strongest form by the CA Senate, but it was then gutted by the State Assembly's Communications Committee, which approved the bill only after eliminating provisions opposed by AT&T and cable lobbyists. Bill author CA state Sen Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) has been negotiating with Communications Committee Chairman Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) and other lawmakers since then, and he announced the results today.