Calendar Year 2018 Estimated De Minimis Threshold Released for FCC Form 499-A

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FCC Form 499 filers be advised that USAC recently released the Calendar Year 2018 estimated de minimis threshold.  According to USAC, filers that report less than $62,655.75 of combined interstate and international telecommunications revenue (Line 423, columns (d) and (e)) on the 2018 FCC Form 499-A will likely be considered de minimis for Calendar Year 2018.

As we move to the close of the calendar year, FCC Form 499-A filers should keep the estimated threshold in mind.  This is particularly true for filers who originally anticipated being de minimis but now determine they may exceed the estimated de minimis threshold.  Such filers will be assessed true up charges by USAC on their July 2019, August 2019, and September 2019 invoices.  In addition, resellers who are no longer de minimis will need to notify their underlying carriers of their non de minimis status so that their underlying carriers can adjust their own 2018 FCC Form 499-A reporting and make any necessary internal billing adjustments.

Additional information regarding the announcement can be found here: Estimated De Minimis Threshold Announcement.

What are small cell facilities, and why are they in the public rights-of-way?

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On September 27, 2018, the FCC released a declaratory ruling and report and order (available here). This post has been updated to reflect the FCC’s new regulations.

I.       What are small wireless facilities?

A small wireless facility (sometimes referred to as a small cell facility) is a cellular network facility capable of delivering high transmission speeds but at lower ranges. Although they are called “small,” this is in reference to their small coverage area, not their physical size. These facilities, due to their heightened transmission speeds and capacities, are critical to the wireless industry’s deployment of 5G services. However, because a small wireless facility, when compared to a traditional macrocell tower, is only able to transmit data at low ranges and is not capable of transmitting through buildings and other structures, many more small wireless facilities are needed to cover the same geographic area that a single, traditional macrocell tower would cover. It is estimated that each wireless provider will need at least ten times as many small wireless facilities as macrocell towers to provide the same network coverage.[1]

II.     Why are small wireless facilities in the public rights-of-way?

Wireless service providers and wireless infrastructure providers will seek to collocate small wireless facilities and construct wireless support structures in a municipality’s rights-of-ways for a number of reasons, but one of the primary reasons is that small wireless facilities require two resources: (1) data via fiber optic cable and (2) power, and both of these resources are often found in a municipality’s rights-of-way.

Additionally, many states have enacted statutes that, among other things, limit rights-of-way and permit application fees that a municipality can collect from a wireless service provider or wireless infrastructure provider and create statutory review periods for small wireless facility permit applications.[2] Often, utility poles and wireless support structures owned by private entities are exempt from these state statutes, further prompting wireless providers and wireless infrastructure providers to prefer to collocate small wireless facilities to existing municipal assets in the municipality’s rights-of-way.[3]

III.  Which types of entities are collocating small wireless facilities or constructing wireless support structures?

In addition to traditional wireless providers, neutral host and other infrastructure providers are also expected to play a critical role in the deployment of small wireless facilities. Neutral host and other infrastructure providers will often lease their wireless assets to traditional wireless providers. As a result, your municipality might not receive any permit requests of applications for collocating small wireless facilities or constructing wireless support structures from traditional wireless providers such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Instead, your municipality may be receiving permit requests and applications from neutral host providers such as ExteNet and Mobilitie.

IV. Why should my municipality be concerned?

Not all small wireless facilities are created equal. While wireless providers and wireless infrastructure providers may initially propose to construct facilities that are integrated into light poles, monopoles, traffic signals, and other existing rights-of-way structures or assets, the reality is that your municipality should expect that very few small wireless facilities will be constructed in this manner. For example, a light pole with a pole-top antenna and integrated equipment cabinet is shown below. As can be seen in the below image, there are almost no exposed elements or cables, and there is only a minimal intrusion into the rights-of-way. The rights-of-way in the below image appears to be largely undisturbed by the small wireless facility integrated into the light pole.

Source: https://twitter.com/stealthsite/status/851882939633762304

However, in reality, many small wireless facilities are likely to be collocated on existing wooden utility poles. Because these existing utility poles are almost universally incapable of integrating equipment cabinets within the pole’s base, as is in the above image, wireless service providers and wireless infrastructure providers will instead install equipment cabinets at ground level or mount the cabinets to utility poles in the rights-of-way. These facilities can create safety, aesthetic, and noise issues, including violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“the ADA”).

An example of a non-integrated small wireless facility is shown below. As can be seen in the below image, the small wireless facility extends beyond the wooden utility pole, the cabling is loose, and there are equipment cabinets mounted at the top of the pole.

Source: https://www.cleveland.com/middleburg-heights/index.ssf/2018/05/middleburg_will_closely_regula.html

These rights-of-way impacts and concerns are compounded by the increased number of small wireless facilities necessary to operate a small cell network. Regulating how and when small wireless facilities can be collocated in your municipality’s rights-of-way is key to addressing a municipality’s concerns such as safety, noise, aesthetic, and undergrounding of ground-level facilities.

V.    How should my municipality respond to requests to collocate small wireless facilities or construct wireless support structures in its public rights-of-way?

When a municipality receives a permit request or application to collocate a small wireless facility or construct a wireless support structure, there are three sources of law that must be followed: (1) federal law, (2) state law, and (3) local law.

A.     Federal Law

In 2018, the FCC issued a declaratory ruling and report and order addressing how municipalities must process small wireless facility applications.[4] A small wireless facility application is an application for a permit or other authorization that seeks to either: (1) collocate a small wireless facility on an existing structure or (2) collocate a small wireless facility on a new structure (i.e., construction of a new structure to collocate a small wireless facility).[5] The primary difference between these two types of small wireless facility applications is the number of days that a municipality is allowed to process the application (shown below).

Type of Permit Request Review Period Remedy
Collocation on an existing structure 60 days Judicial Cause of Action
Collocation on a new structure 90 days Judicial Cause of Action

If a municipality fails to grant or deny an application within either of these review periods, the applicant may appeal the municipality’s failure to act to an applicable court.[6] Unlike Section 6409(a) applications, there is no deemed granted remedy for small wireless facility applications.[7] A deemed granted remedy means that an application is automatically granted if a municipality fails to act on the application.

For more information on the details and impacts of federal law, please consult your legal counsel or the attorneys at Bradley Berkland Hagen & Herbst LLC.

B.      State Law

After determining how to process a permit application or request under federal law, a municipality should next examine their state law. Often, state small wireless facility statutes will reduce review periods, limit the criteria by which a permit can be denied, and limit fees that municipalities can charge. A list of states that have passed small wireless facility laws can be found here. In short, state small wireless facility statutes are rarely, if ever, helpful for local governments. Instead, these statutes almost invariably limit municipal authority. For example, Oklahoma’s small wireless facility statute reduces the 90-day review period in federal law to 75-days and limits fees to $40 per small wireless facility collocated on a municipally-owned utility pole in the rights-of-way.[8] If your state has enacted a small wireless facility statute, it will be important to understand the restrictions and limitations placed on your municipality by state law in addition to federal law.

If your municipality is in a state that hasn’t passed small wireless facility-specific legislation, your municipality should nevertheless look for any processes or requirements that apply generally to wireless towers. These statutes were likely enacted with macrocell towers in mind but are often applicable to small wireless facilities.

C.      Local Law

Finally, your municipality should examine its local law to determine how to process an application. Many municipalities have passed ordinances governing the municipality’s rights-of-way or wireless towers, but some municipalities have passed small wireless facility ordinances as well. While no small wireless facility ordinance “may prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the ability of any entity to provide any interstate or intrastate telecommunications service” (i.e., a prohibition on the collocation of small wireless facilities within a municipality), these ordinances do allow a municipality to enact aesthetic and design standards, undergrounding requirements, and other zoning restrictions.[9]

If your municipality has not already enacted a small wireless facility ordinance, please speak with an attorney at Bradley Law, LLC to discuss how your community’s unique needs and interests can be addressed through an ordinance or other legal mechanisms.

[1] https://www.commscope.com/Docs/Powering_5G_Cell_Densification_WP-112370-EN.pdf
[2] https://www.smartworkspartners.com/state-legislation
[3] Collocating a small wireless facility means attaching a small wireless facility to any existing wireless support structure such as a utility pole or a building. Collocation is often confused to mean attaching a small wireless facility to an existing wireless support structure that already has a small wireless facility. This would imply collocation of the small wireless facilities themselves, but under federal law, it is the small wireless facility and wireless support structure that are being collocated.
[4] In the Matter of Accelerating Wireless Broadband Deployment by Removing Barrier to Infrastructure Investment, Declaratory Ruling and Third Report and Order, WT Docket No. 17-79 (Sep. 27, 2018).
[5] 47 C.F.R. § 1.6003(c)(1) (2018).
[6] 47 U.S.C. § 332(c)(7)(B)(v) (1996).
[7] 47 C.F.R. § 1.40001(c)(4) (2015).
[8] https://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2017-18%20ENR/SB/SB1388%20ENR.PDF
[9] 47 U.S.C. § 253(a) (1996). See 47 U.S.C. § 332(c)(7)(A) (1996).

 

THIRD QUARTER 2018 PROPOSED FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE CONTRIBUTION FACTOR OF 17.9% ANNOUNCED BY FCC OMD

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On June 13, 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) Office of Managing Director (“OMD”) released Public Notice DA 18-613 announcing that the proposed federal Universal Service contribution factor for the third quarter (July-September) of 2018 will be 17.9%.   

If the Commission takes no action in the 14-day period following the release of the Public Notice, the proposed contribution factor will be deemed approved.

USF Fund Transferred to Treasury – How It Impacts Contributors and Beneficiaries!

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Be advised that the federal Universal Service Fund (USF) has transferred to the U.S. Treasury. 

Important changes for contributors include: 

  • The USAC April 2018 invoice (due May 15, 2018) may be paid using your current payment process or E-File.
  • The USAC May 2018 invoice (due June 15, 2018) must be paid using E-File.
  • Beginning with the May 2018 invoice (due June 15, 2018), USAC will no longer accept checks or wire transfers.
  • There are video tutorials on the USAC website and scheduled USAC training webinars to help contributors learn about the new payment system. 

There are no changes for USF Beneficiaries.  Disbursements will come from the U.S. Treasury, will continue to be made via ACH transfers, and will continue to be identified as coming from USAC.  

Additional information about the transfer can be found here: USF Transfer.

What is a cable franchise, and how do I renew it?

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What is a cable franchise?

A cable franchise is an agreement between a local franchising authority (“LFA”) (e.g., a city, county, municipality, etc.) and a cable operator (e.g, Comcast, Cox, etc.) that allows the cable operator to provide television services (i.e., cable services) in the city, county, municipality etc. In exchange, cable operators will be often be required to provide assurances regarding service quality and network build-out, support for institutional networks and access channels, and a small percentage of revenue generated by the cable operator.[i] A cable franchise often lasts between five and fifteen years, depending on applicable state law, giving local franchising authorities an opportunity to periodically examine a cable franchise and renegotiate terms and conditions that may not be best serving a community’s present and future cable-related needs.[ii] For example, if a cable operator was continually constructing new cable facilities in the public right-of-way without first obtaining any necessary permits, furnishing inadequate support for access television programming, or providing insufficient customer service protections, these could be issues that a LFA could seek to have addressed in franchise renewal.

How is a cable franchise renewed?

A cable franchise can be renewed in one of two ways: (1) by following a statutory process referred to as “formal renewal,” or (2) through a more traditional contract negotiation process referred to as “informal renewal.”

How does formal renewal of a cable franchise work?

To commence the formal renewal process, a cable operator must submit a request for formal renewal to a LFA (e.g., “a reservation of rights”). This request must be submitted at least thirty (30), but no more than thirty-six (36), months before a cable franchise expires.[iii] Failure to timely submit this request will prevent a cable operator from utilizing the formal renewal process.[iv]

If a request for formal renewal is timely submitted, a LFA must thereafter conduct a review of: (a) the cable operator’s financial, technical, and legal qualifications, (b) the cable operator’s past performance, and (c) the current and future needs of the LFA (e.g., a needs assessment). This process can take up to twelve (12) months to complete. The LFA must then issue a request for renewal proposals (“RFRP”) to the cable operator.[v]

Within four (4) months of receiving a franchise renewal proposal from the cable operator, the LFA must then provide public notice of the proposal and determine whether to accept it.[vi] If the proposal is accepted, the franchise renewal process is complete. If the proposal is not accepted, the LFA must make a “preliminary assessment that the franchise should not be renewed.” As the statutory language plainly states, this is a preliminary decision and not a final appealable decision of the LFA.[vii]  If the LFA makes such a preliminary assessment, the LFA must then commence an administrative proceeding to determine whether the franchise should be renewed. [viii] Only the following issues may be considered at the administrative proceeding:

(A) the cable operator has substantially complied with the material terms of the existing franchise and with applicable law;

(B) the quality of the operator’s service, including signal quality, response to consumer complaints, and billing practices, but without regard to the mix or quality of cable services or other services provided over the system, has been reasonable in light of community needs;

(C) the operator has the financial, legal, and technical ability to provide the services, facilities, and equipment as set forth in the operator’s proposal; and

(D) the operator’s proposal is reasonable to meet the future cable-related community needs and interests, taking into account the cost of meeting such needs and interests.[ix]

It is important to note that a decision to deny a renewal proposal is not appealable to a court until after the conclusion of an administrative proceeding.[x]

How does informal renewal of a cable franchise work?

In informal renewal, a LFA and cable provider will often negotiate a cable franchise entirely outside of the formal process. Although informal and formal renewal are separate processes, they can occur simultaneously.[xi] Often, a cable operator will submit a proper, timely request for formal renewal, but the cable franchise will ultimately be renewed through informal means.

Informal renewal is only informal in the sense that there is a less strict statutory process that must be followed. To properly prepare for informal renewal, a LFA should still review the cable operator’s past performance under the current cable franchise, conduct a thorough needs assessment, and develop a negotiating strategy to address any of the LFA’s unmet needs. There are no issues that can be addressed in formal renewal that cannot be addressed in informal renewal.

Although a cable operator may submit a renewal proposal at any time in informal renewal, as a practical matter, the parties will first reach an agreement on the terms and conditions of a cable franchise before a LFA will allow for public participation.[xii] Typically, a LFA will make an agreed upon cable franchise available for public comment at a public hearing. After allowing for public participation, a LFA can take final action on a cable franchise (e.g., grant or deny the cable franchise).[xiii]

Conclusion

Cable franchise renewal is a unique opportunity for local franchising authorities to address the cable-related needs of their communities. It is important for local franchising authorities to understand these needs from a financial, technical, and legal point-of-view, regardless of whether a formal or informal renewal process is used. This article is intended to provide an overview of the process that is required for renewal of a cable franchise.

[i] A franchise fee is limited to no more than five-percent of a cable operator’s gross revenues. 47 U.S.C. § 542(b) (1996).

[ii] See, e.g., Minn. Stat. § 238.084, subd. 1(c) (2004) (limiting a franchise term to fifteen years).

[iii] 47 U.S.C. § 546(a)(1) (1992).

[iv] 47 U.S.C. § 546(a)(2)(A).

[v] 47 U.S.C. § 546(b).

[vi] 47 U.S.C. § 546(c).

[vii] 47 U.S.C. § 546 (c)(1).

[viii] 47 U.S.C. § 546(c)(1).

[ix] 47 U.S.C. § 546(c)(1)(A-D).

[x] 47 U.S.C. § 546(e)(1). It is important to note that a preliminary assessment of nonrenewal is not a “final decision” within the meaning of the statute.

[xi] See 47 U.S.C. § 546(h) (“The denial of a renewal pursuant to this subsection shall not affect action on a renewal proposal that is submitted in accordance with subsections (a) through (g).”).

[xii] 47 U.S.C. § 546(h) (“A LFA may, after affording the public adequate notice and opportunity for comment, grant or deny such proposal at any time.”)

[xiii] Id.

 

This Week in Telecom – Weeks Ending 2.25.18 and 3.4.18

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Below is a smattering of telecommunications stories from the past two weeks.  Some are trendy, some are interesting, and some are just weird.  This is by no means an exhaustive account of the past two weeks in telecommunications.  It is simply what I personally found interesting from the wide array of telecommunications news.

Disclaimer – The views expressed in this summary are my own and not necessarily those of Bradley Berkland Hagen & Herbst, LLC.

I.     Universal Service 

Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) Wireline Competition Bureau (“WCB”) Announces Funding Year 2018 E-Rate Cap – On February 20, 2018, the FCC WCB released a Public Notice regarding the E-Rate funding cap for Funding Year 2018. According to the Public Notice, the funding cap is set at $4,062,030,726 and represents a 1.8% inflation-adjusted increase from the Funding Year 2017 cap. The FCC’s Public Notice can be accessed at Public Notice (DA 18-163).  

II.    Open Internet/Net Neutrality 

Chairman Pai Responds to Congressional Request to Delay Vote on Restoring Internet Freedom Order – On February 8 and 9, 2018, respectively, Chairman Pai sent response letters to Representative Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), et al., explaining the reasons he did not delay the December 14, 2017 vote on the Restoring Internet Freedom Order (“Order”). Despite claims that the proceeding was marred by fraudulent comments, Chairman Pai maintained that the Order amply addressed the rulemaking record, and the draft Order was released over three weeks prior to the vote, allowing the public ample opportunity to review and submit feedback. The letter to Representative Hanabusa can be accessed at Hanabusa Letter and the letter to Senator Blumenthal, et al., can be accessed at Blumenthal Letter. 

Restoring Internet Freedom Order Published in Federal Register – On February 22, 2018, the FCC published in the Federal Register the Restoring Internet Freedom Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order, and Order (“Order”). The Order is effective April 23, 2018, with the exception of amendatory instructions 2,3,5,6, and 8. The delayed items will become effective only after the FCC publishes a subsequent Federal Register announcement providing their applicable effective date(s). The FCC said in the February 22, 2018 Federal Register announcement that the Order “will also be effective upon the date announced in that same document.” The Federal Register announcement can be accessed at Federal Register Announcement. 

Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel Release Statements on Publication of Net Neutrality Repeal Order – On February 22, 2018, Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel issued statements on the publication of what they called the “Net Neutrality Repeal Order.” Commissioner Clyburn decried the repeal of net neutrality stating “[t]oday it is official: the FCC majority has taken the next step in handing the keys to the internet over to billion-dollar broadband providers by publishing the Destroying Internet Freedom Order in the Federal Register.” However, Commissioner Clyburn also expressed optimism that, ultimately, “robust net neutrality protections will prevail with the American public!” Commissioner Rosenworcel described the repeal of net neutrality as “a study in just what’s wrong with Washington.” Commissioner Rosenworcel asserted that in repealing net neutrality, the FCC “turned a blind eye to all kinds of corruption in our public record—from Russian intervention to fake comments to stolen identities in our files” and stated that “[a]s a result of the mess the agency created, broadband providers will now have the power to block websites, throttle services, and censor online content.” Commissioner Clyburn’s statement can be accessed at Clyburn Statement and Commissioner Rosenworcel’s statement can be accessed at Rosenworcel Statement. 

Petitions for Review of Restoring Internet Freedom Order Filed Shortly After Order’s Publication in the Federal Register – At least three entities recently filed petitions for review of the Restoring Internet Freedom Order (“Order”). The National Hispanic Media Coalition, NTCH, Inc., and the Benton Foundation filed their petitions in the D.C. Circuit on February 23, 26, and 27, 2018, respectively. The petitions seek review on the basis that the Order is arbitrary and capricious, an abuse of discretion, not supported by substantial evidence, and otherwise contrary to law. The petitions ask the Court to hold unlawful, vacate, enjoin, and set aside those portions of the Order reclassifying broadband Internet access service as an information service not subject to the protections of Title II of the Communications Act. The applicable Case Nos. are: (1) National Hispanic Media Coalition – Case No. 18-1056; (2) NTCH, Inc. – Case No. 18-1061; and (3) the Benton Foundation – Case No. 18-1062.

III.  Emerging Communications Technologies 

FCC Issues Notice of Public Rulemaking on Emerging Communications Technologies – On February 22, 2018, the FCC approved a Notice of Public Rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks to flesh out the FCC’s authority under Section 7 of the Communications Act (“Act”) to assess emerging communications technologies. Section 7 of the Act was passed by Congress in 1983 and requires timely action by the FCC to encourage the provision of new technologies and services to the public. Specifically, Section 7 of the Act requires the FCC to respond within one year to applications proposing new technologies or services. “The NPRM proposes rules for Commission evaluation of petitions or applications proposing new technologies and service. In addition, the NPRM seeks comment on how the Commission can comply with the statutory requirements of [S]ection 7 of the Act for Commission-initiated proceedings for new technologies or services.” The Press Release regarding the NPRM can be accessed at Emerging Communications Technologies Press Release and the full text of the NPRM can be accessed at Emerging Communications Technologies NPRM. 

IV.   In the Press 

Law360 – Law360 published an article on February 20, 2018 discussing the DOJ’s vehement arguments against AT&T’s request for evidence of Donald Trump’s rants against CNN in the DOJ’s lawsuit opposing AT&T’s proposed purchase of CNN parent, Time Warner.

On February 23, 2018, Law360 published an article describing how FCC Chairman Pai was awarded a “token firearm” by the National Rifle Association (“NRA”) for alleged threats and insults made against him because of the recent net neutrality deregulation. According to the article, other recipients of the “courage under fire” award include Mike Pence, Rush Limbaugh, and former Milwaukee sheriff David Clarke.

You must have a subscription to Law360 to view and read these articles.  Subscription information can be found at Law360 Telecom Website.

REMINDER – Annual CPNI Certifications Due to Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) by March 1, 2018

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REMINDER – Telecommunications carriers and interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) providers must file an annual Customer Proprietary Network Information (“CPNI”) certification with the FCC no later than March 1, 2018.  Examples of telecommunications carriers include, but are not limited to, local exchange carriers (“LECs”) (including incumbent LECs, rural LECs, and competitive LECs), interexchange carriers, commercial mobile radio services (“CMRS”) providers, resellers, prepaid telecommunications providers, and calling card providers.  There is no filing exemption for small companies.

The 2018 annual CPNI certification attests to calendar year 2017 CPNI compliance.  Certifications should be electronically filed using the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (“ECFS”).  Filers must reference EB Docket No. 06-36 in the “proceeding” field when filing.  Separate certifications must be filed for each affiliate in possession of a unique FCC Form 499 Filer ID.  Failure to timely file the 2018 CPNI certification may result in an FCC enforcement action, including fines of up to $196,387 for each violation or each day of a continuing violation, up to a maximum of $1,963,870.

Because past certifications have contained informational deficiencies, the FCC has released a CPNI Certification Template.  The CPNI Public Notice, which includes the CPNI Certification Template, can be accessed at CPNI Public Notice.

This Week in Telecom – Week Ending 2.18.18

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In honor of Leslie Herbst-Saporito[1] 

Below is a smattering of telecommunications stories from this past week.  Some are trendy, some are interesting, and some are just weird.  This is by no means an exhaustive account of the past week in telecommunications.  It is simply what I personally found interesting from the wide array of telecommunications news.

Disclaimer – The views expressed in this summary are my own and not necessarily those of Bradley, Berkland, Hagen & Herbst, LLC.

I.  Universal Service 

Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) Wireline Competition Bureau (“WCB”) Releases FCC Forms 499 and Accompanying Instructions – The FCC WCB has released the FCC Forms 499-A, FCC Forms 499-Q, and accompanying instructions.  The FCC Form 499-A and accompanying instructions are to be used in April 2018 to report calendar year 2017 revenues.  The FCC Forms 499-Q and accompanying instructions are to be used in calendar year 2018 to report quarterly projected and collected revenues.  According to the Public Notice, the revisions to the FCC Forms 499 are limited to date changes, a circularity factor update, and other non-substantive form revisions.  The Public Notice can be accessed at FCC Form 499 Public Notice and the official revised FCC Forms 499 and accompanying instructions will be made available shortly on the Universal Service Administrative Company’s (“USAC”) website at USAC Forms – Contributors.

Commissioner Clyburn Talks Federal Universal Service Fund (“USF” or “Fund”) Contributions – In her February 14, 2018, comments at the Winter Summit, Commissioner Clyburn expressed concerns about the sustainability of the federal USF absent changes to the method of assessing contributions.  Acknowledging that contribution reform “has languished for far too long,” Commissioner Clyburn advocated for the following contributions assessment system: “the infrastructure that is supported by the Fund, should be the infrastructure that is assessed by the Fund.”  Responding to objections that broadband connections should not be included in the USF contributions assessment methodology, Commissioner Clyburn asserted that the Internet Tax Freedom Act does not bar assessing contributions on broadband and a hybrid connections/revenue approach would not only significantly reduce consumers’ per-connection fees, it would also significantly reduce the contribution factor.  Should contribution reform by the Joint Board fail, Commissioner Clyburn advocated for a pitch competition that would invite new, outside experts to consider and present their ideas for contributions reform.  The only caveat, according to Commissioner Clyburn, is that the “pitches must be ideas[] that have not been hashed, rehashed, or rehashed again in the contributions docket.”  Commissioner Clyburn’s comments also addressed the High Cost and Lifeline programs.  A full transcript of Commissioner Clyburn’s remarks can be accessed at Clyburn Remarks. 

II.  Open Internet/Net Neutrality 

House Democrats Send Letter to Federal Communications Commission (“Commission”) Chairman, Ajit Pai Asking for Information About How the Commission Analyzed Public Comments Filed In the Restoring Internet Freedom Proceeding – In a February 13, 2018 letter, twenty-four (24) Democratic members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee asked Chairman Ajit Pai to answer a series of questions about how the Commission analyzed public comments in the Restoring Internet Freedom Proceeding.  The inquiries primarily seek information regarding any guidelines and/or internal legal analyses provided to staff working on the proceeding, the treatment of consumer comments filed in the proceeding, data to support the Chairman’s statement that comments filed from Russian email addresses were in favor of net neutrality, reasons for the FCC’s refusal to cooperate with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s criminal investigation, any verification or procedural devices used to confirm the identities of persons who allegedly filed comments in the proceeding, how the Commission decided which arguments filed by members of Congress should be considered in the proceeding, what analysis the Commission used to determine that consumer complaints about net neutrality violations were not relevant to the Commission’s net neutrality decision, why the Commission did not remove fraudulent comments from the public website, the scope of comment review and resources devoted to that review, and whether any training sessions were held for staff tasked with record review.  The letter asks Chairman Pai to respond to these questions no later than March 6, 2018.  The full contents of the letter can be viewed at Letter to Pai Concerning Net Neutrality Comments. 

Multiple Entities File Motions Seeking to Intervene in Restoring Internet Freedom Appeal – On February 14, 2018, AT&T, the American Cable Association (“ACA”), the Internet & Television Association (“NCTA”), USTelecom, and CTIA (collectively “Entities”) filed motions with the D.C. Circuit, First Circuit, and Ninth Circuit Courts to intervene in the Restoring Internet Freedom Appeal.  According to the Entities, they filed the motions to intervene to preserve their right to participate in judicial review, if the Federal Communications Commission’s motions to dismiss petitions seeking review of the Restoring Internet Freedom Order are not granted.  The Case Nos. for each Circuit are as follows: (1) D.C. Circuit – Case No. 18-1011; (2) First Circuit – Case No. 18-1053; and (3) Ninth Circuit – Case No. 18-70133.

Federal Communications Commission (“Commission”) Files Motions to Dismiss Petitions for Review of Restoring Internet Freedom Order – On February 9, 2018, the Commission filed motions with the D.C. Circuit, First Circuit, and Ninth Circuit to dismiss Petitions for Review (“Petitions”) filed by New America Foundation’s Open Technology Institute.  The Commission argued that the Petitions are premature because neither a summary of the Restoring Internet Freedom Order, nor the text of the amended rules have yet been published in the Federal Register.  The Case Nos. for each Circuit are as follows: (1) D.C. Circuit – Case No. 18-1011; (2) First Circuit – Case No. 18-1053; and (3) Ninth Circuit – Case No. 18-70133. 

III.  Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) 

A Pattern of Egregious Behavior and Procedural Defects Undercut Petition to Reconsider $1.84 Million Fine – On February 15, 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (“Commission”) rejected a Petition to Reconsider (“Petition”) filed by Scott Malcom and his companies DSM Supply, LLC and Somaticare, LLC (collectively “Companies”).  The Companies sought reconsideration of a $1.84 million fine issued by the Commission in February 2016 for the illegal transmission of unsolicited facsimile advertisements (“junk faxes”).  Rejecting the Petition on procedural grounds, the Commission noted that: (1) the Petition relied on facts and arguments previously raised by the Companies and rejected by the Commission; and (2) with respect to the Companies’ argument that the fine violated the Excessive Fines Clause of the Eighth Amendment, the time to raise that argument was in 2014, in response to the Commission-issued Notice of Apparent Liability (“NAL”).  Specifically, regarding the Companies’ actual ability to pay, the Commission found that the Companies’ Petition relied on financial information that could have been presented in response to the NAL and the Companies had not disputed their ability to pay when responding to the NAL.  The Commission further found that the public interest did not justify a reconsideration of the fine because, the Companies’ “TCPA violations were numerous, egregious, and occurred after [the Companies were] issued a citation advising [them] that [they] were violating the law.”  Although the Commission dismissed the Companies’ Petition on procedural grounds, it also rejected the Companies’ Eighth Amendment argument on the merits. Specifically, the Commission found that the Companies did not meet their burden to show that the forfeiture imposed was unconstitutionally excessive given the maximum statutory forfeiture amounts and the gravity of the Companies’ underlying offenses.  Note that, according to the Order on Reconsideration, the Companies filed their response to the NAL nearly seven (7) months after the filing deadline, engaged in rude and dismissive behavior when responding to complaining consumers, and the Commission received over 350 consumer complaints after the Companies received their first warning that their conduct was in violation of the law.  Click on the following links to view the Press Release and the Order On Reconsideration.

IV.  Broadband 

Trump Releases American Infrastructure Initiative and Fiscal Year 2019 Budget – According to Trump’s American Infrastructure Plan released on February 12, 2018, “$50 billion of the $200 billion in direct Federal funding will be devoted to a new Rural Infrastructure Program to rebuild and modernize infrastructure in rural America.”  The plan will also allocate $20 billion to expanding infrastructure financing programs, including rural utility lending.  Additional details on Trump’s rural infrastructure goals can be found in the Trump American Infrastructure Initiative and the Trump Fiscal Year 2019 Budget.  

Trump Discusses Rural Broadband at Infrastructure Proposal Meeting – The White House released remarks made by Trump on February 14, 2018 about Rural Broadband Infrastructure during a meeting of bipartisan members of Congress.  The remarks contain the following information regarding rural broadband infrastructure:

  1. Trump has laid out principles for an infrastructure initiative;
  2. The infrastructure initiative seeks to implement a faster permitting process of two years, as opposed to ten years, with a goal of one year, if possible;
  3. $50 billion will be spent on rural infrastructure and Internet access.

A transcript of the remarks can be accessed at Trump Infrastructure Remarks. 

V.  In the Press 

Law360 – Law360 published two articles this week discussing the involvement of Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) and Department of Justice (“DOJ”) officials in ongoing investigations or trials.  In one article, Law360 states that the FCC Office of Inspector General is investigating Chairman Ajit Pai over allegations that he improperly pushed for rule changes relaxing media ownership rules for the benefit of Sinclair Broadcasting Group.  In the second article, Law360 states that AT&T Inc. is seeking to have Makan Delrahim, head of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, testify in the case challenging AT&T’s planned purchase of Time Warner Inc.  According to Law360, there has long been speculation about what motivated the DOJ’s November decision to sue over the $85.4 billion mega-merger, with some attributing the action to undue influence by Trump.  You must have a subscription to Law360 to view and read these articles.  Subscription information can be found at Law360 Telecom Website.

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[1] I recently lost my dear friend and work colleague, Leslie Herbst-Saporito.  Leslie always wanted us to do a weekly telecom write-up.  Sadly, we did not accomplish that goal prior to her passing.  Leslie would have supported the idea of generating this summary.  Leslie, you are with me every day in this practice.  I will miss you always.

First Quarter 2018 Proposed Federal Universal Service Contribution Factor of 19.5% Announced by FCC OMD

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On December 14, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) Office of Managing Director (“OMD”) released Public Notice DA 17-1203 announcing that the proposed federal Universal Service contribution factor for the first quarter (January – March) of 2018 will be 19.5%.  

If the Commission takes no action in the 14-day period following the release of the Public Notice, the proposed contribution factor will be deemed approved.

Net Neutrality Rollback? Restoring Internet Freedom Order Approved in December 14, 2017 FCC Open Meeting

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As anticipated, the Federal Communications Commission voted earlier today to overturn the 2015 Protecting and Promoting the Open Internet Order adopted under former FCC Chairman Wheeler.  The Commissioners voted along party lines, with Chairman Pai, and Commissioners Carr and O’Rielly approving Chairman Pai’s Restoring Internet Freedom Order and Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel dissenting.

Among other things, the adoption of the Restoring Internet Freedom Order will:

  • return the classification of BIAS to that of an information service;
  • reinstate the private mobile service classification of mobile BIAS;
  • adopt transparency requirements that ISPs disclose information about their practices to consumers, entrepreneurs, and the Commission;
  • turn over broadband consumer protection authority to the FTC;
  • and eliminate the Internet Conduct Standard.

Note that the Restoring Internet Freedom Order is not yet in effect and has not yet been released.  Rather, the Restoring Internet Freedom Order will take effect upon approval by the Office of Management and Budget of the new transparency rule that requires the collection of additional information from the industry.

A thoughtful analysis of the impact of today’s events to follow.

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