Last Friday night, the FCC released the written text of its Order on
comprehensive Universal Service Fund (USF) and Intercarrier Compensation (ICC)
reform. The 759 page package released by the FCC includes an Order, a request
for further comment, and 16 Appendices.
Some of the new rules are to take effect on January 1, 2012, others take effect
on July 1, 2012. In addition to establishing new rules, the FCC has
deferred making a decision on a number of key issues pending further comment
and input. The FCC seeks comment on 105 pages of questions relating to a
number of USF topics and proposed rules by January 18th, and on a number of
intercarrier compensation issues by February 24th.
ITA has already begun analyzing the Order, as have our national associations
and key industry partners.
In its Order, the FCC makes clear that it expects the new rules to impact each
carrier in varying degrees, depending on the characteristics of each
company.
To give members an initial overview of the Order, ITA will be hosting a webcast
presented by Larry Thompson, Ross Petrick and Doug Eidahl of Vantage Point
Solutions on December 8th at 10:00 am (click here to register).
Sometime after that, ITA will host a free in-person workshop that will provide
an in-depth examination of these rule changes and their impacts on ITA member
companies.
Glenn Brown has been working with the national rural coalition, and he has
graciously agreed to share a summary he prepared outlining the USF
portions of that order. You can view Brown’s summary by clicking here. After Brown completes the second part of his
summary, which includes analysis of the intercarrier compensation portions of
the Order, we will forward that as well.
We will be sharing much more information with you as we continue our analysis and
discussion of this Order.
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