An update on news about the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier.
Locast Answers Broadcasters’ Copyright Infringement Lawsuit, Hits Back With Counterclaims Alleging Antitrust Violations
Online streaming service provider Locast has answered the copyright infringement complaint filed against it by a group of U.S. broadcast television networks. Included with Locast’s answer are six counterclaims alleging the broadcasters have violated federal antitrust laws and state unfair competition laws.
Alaska Regulatory Commission Considers Early Termination Of State Universal Service Fund
The Regulatory Commission of Alaska is considering whether to close the Alaska universal service fund early. The fund is currently scheduled to end in 2023.
USF Contribution Factor Reaches 25 Percent For Fourth Quarter Of 2019
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.