The FCC has announced that the proposed universal service fund contribution factor for the fourth quarter of 2019 will be 25 percent, the highest ever. This gives 2019 the highest yearly average USF contribution factor ever – 22.05 percent.
DMCA Copyright Infringement Lawsuit: Record Companies v. RCN
A group of record companies has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Internet service provider RCN Telecom Services, LLC and its subsidiaries. The Plaintiff record companies argue RCN is not eligible for DMCA safe harbor immunity because RCN failed to terminate the accounts of repeat infringers or take any other meaningful action to curb subscribers’ copyright infringement. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court for the District Of New Jersey (Case No. cv-19-17272).
August 2019 News Update
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.