FCC Issues Subpoena for Providers in Special Access Data Collection

The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau has ordered providers of special access service to submit the customer-related information sought in the special access data collection.

This subpoena addresses the concerns raised by the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and United States Telecom Association (USTelecom) about the applicability of federal privacy statutes when responding to the collection with customer information. The data sought are necessary for an analysis of the special access market to better target regulatory relief where warranted, promote competition, and increase consumer welfare through competitive rates and increased service offerings. The Bureau appreciates the privacy interests of consumers in their information and will protect reported information from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with the protective order previously issued for this collection.