Groups, Senators Ask for Extension of Filing Deadlines in ATC Inquiry

Groups and 12 Senate Democrats asked for more time to comment on the FCC inquiry into advanced telecom capability (ATC) deployment (see 1708110034). Without a delay, initial comments are due Thursday, replies on Sept. 22. The groups asked for an eight-week extension. “In addition to broad implications of the result of this proceeding, the questions raised therein are directly tied to questions posed in other, related proceedings,” said a filing in docket 17-199. “As those proceedings also have open comment windows that extend in some cases into October, it would be reasonable for the Commission to extend the deadlines in this proceeding.” The notice of inquiry on whether ATC is being rolled out to all in a reasonable and timely way under Telecom Act Section 706, launched in early August, proposes to keep the current 25/3 Mbps speed benchmark for fixed broadband. “Such substantial shifts in policy require greater consideration and debate, something that the current schedule for comment does not allow,” said Senate Communications Subcommittee ranking member Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, and the other senators. They raised concerns about the NOI’s desire for comment on whether an area should be considered “served” if mobile service of 10 Mbps download/1 Mbps upload is available. “While we recognize and welcome the possibility that technology may one day evolve to a point where mobile broadband options could be deemed equivalent to fixed broadband services, that is not the case today,” they said. “Such a striking change in policy would significantly and disproportionately disadvantage Americans in rural, tribal, and low income communities across the nation, whose livelihoods depend on a reliable and affordable broadband connection.” For the groups' letter, signers included New America’s Open Technology Institute, the American Library Association, Center for Democracy & Technology, Center for Media Justice, Common Cause, Computer & Communications Industry Association, Incompas, National Hispanic Media Coalition and Public Knowledge. The FCC didn't comment.