An update on important news from August 2019.
In New Ex Parte, Conexon Again Questions Legitimacy Of Wisper ISP’s Kansas ETC Designation
In a recent ex parte filed with the FCC, Conexon, LLC has continued its opposition to a petition filed by Wisper ISP, Inc. for waiver of the FCC’s 180-day deadline for CAF II auction winners to obtain ETC designation. The letter provides new information that Conexon believes should cause the FCC to investigate Wisper’s petition for ETC designation in the state of Kansas.
Conexon Ex Parte: Transcript From Oklahoma Hearing Shows Wisper Has Provided Incorrect/Misleading Information About Oklahoma ETC Designation
Conexon, LLC filed a written ex parte that supports its opposition to the petition filed by Wisper ISP, Inc. for waiver of the FCC’s 180-day deadline for CAF II auction winners to obtain ETC designation. Wisper’s application for designation as an ETC in the state of Oklahoma is still pending, which is why it filed the waiver. Conexon’s recent FCC ex parte letter contains new information derived from transcripts of Wisper’s hearing before the Oklahoma Corporation Commission that Conexon believes should be used to evaluate the merits of Wisper’s FCC waiver petition.
Update On State News: State Broadband Laws & Grant Programs
This article contains news about state broadband regulations and state broadband grant programs.
Massachusetts “Netflix Tax” Bill Would Impose 5% Fee On Internet Streaming Services
The Massachusetts legislature is considering a bill which would impose a fee on the commercial sale of streaming entertainment services to individuals and businesses in Massachusetts.
July 2019 News Update
News update for July 2019
Broadcasters File Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Against Online Streaming Service Locast
A group of U.S. broadcast television networks have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Locast, a free online streaming service offering local, over-the-air television. The broadcasters claim Locast is infringing their exclusive rights to perform copyrighted works publicly. Locast’s service operates under a belief that its unauthorized retransmission of copyrighted content is not an infringement because Locast is covered by an exemption provided to nonprofit organizations under the Copyright Act.
DOJ Settlement Allows T-Mobile / Sprint Merger, Requires Significant Asset Divestiture To DISH Network
The U.S. Department of Justice, along with five states have reached a settlement with T-Mobile and Sprint, allowing the two smallest nationwide mobile wireless providers to merge. The settlement requires T-Mobile and Sprint to divest various assets to Dish Network.
Draft NPRM: Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has announced that the FCC will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking during its August open meeting to formally establish the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. The RDOF is planned to provide $20.4 billion over the next 10 years to support the construction of broadband networks in areas that lack access to broadband service at speeds of at least 25/3 Mbps.
Going Granular! The FCC’s New Digital Opportunity Data Collection Expected To Improve Broadband Mapping
The FCC has released a draft Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking aimed at collecting more accurate broadband deployment data and producing more precise broadband maps. In the Report and Order, the FCC creates the Digital Opportunity Data Collection, a new initiative distinct from the Form 477 process, which will require all fixed broadband providers to submit coverage polygons depicting the areas where they actually provide service. The FCC also adopts a process to begin collecting public input on the accuracy of service providers’ broadband deployment data. The FCC expects to vote to adopt the item during its August 1st open meeting.