FCC Launches Proceeding on NCTA's Universal Service Reform Proposal

On November 5, 2009, the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA) filed a petition for rulemaking proposing new rules for universal service high-cost support. Specifically, NCTA proposes that the Federal Communications Commission establish procedures to reduce the amount of universal service high-cost support provided to carriers in those areas of the country where there is extensive, unsubsidized facilities-based voice competition and where government subsidies no longer are needed to ensure that service will be made available to consumers. The Wireline Competition Bureau now seeks comment on NCTA's petition. Comments are due January 7, 2010; reply comments are due January 22, 2010.