The FCC received more mixed views on how to curb intercarrier compensation schemes that stimulate access charges, in replies posted in docket 18-155, mostly Monday, to conflicting initial comments (see 1807230034). Incumbent telcos tended to be more supportive of the agency's main proposal -- to attack financial incentives for arbitrage by giving "access-stimulating" LECs the option of either assuming financial responsibility for traffic or allowing direct connections -- albeit with disputes, particularly over direct connection terms. Some backed a more sweeping move to bill-and-keep arrangements under which carriers generally don't pay each other for exchanging traffic. Smaller providers opposed the proposals and offered alternatives.
The FCC adopted a one-touch, make-ready policy and other pole-attachment changes in a broadband infrastructure order and declaratory ruling approved 3-1 by commissioners at a Thursday meeting. The item also said the agency will pre-empt state and local legal barriers to deployment, including express and de facto moratoriums that prohibit entry or halt buildout. "No moratoriums. No moratoriums. Absolutely no moratoriums," said Commissioner Mike O'Rielly, who also noted some targeted edits to OTMR parts of a draft. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel agreed with OTMR in concept but partially dissented over "deficiencies in our analysis."
The FCC adopted a one-touch, make-ready policy and other pole-attachment changes in a broadband infrastructure order and declaratory ruling approved 3-1 by commissioners at a Thursday meeting. The item also said the agency will pre-empt state and local legal barriers to deployment, including express and de facto moratoriums that prohibit entry or halt buildout. "No moratoriums. No moratoriums. Absolutely no moratoriums," said Commissioner Mike O'Rielly, who also noted some targeted edits to OTMR parts of a draft. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel agreed with OTMR in concept but partially dissented over "deficiencies in our analysis."
The FCC is considering some revisions to a draft order on one-touch, make-ready and other pole-attachment policies aimed at facilitating broadband deployment, an informed source said Wednesday. Commissioners are looking at making "tweaks" on "details" in response to a "laundry list" of industry requests, but the main parts of the combined OTMR/pole draft order and declaratory ruling against state and local moratoria are expected to stick, the person said. "It wouldn't surprise me if there are tweaks," said an FCC official, noting heavy lobbying on the 102-page draft (see 1807300040 and 1807260036). Other commission officials didn't comment.
The FCC is considering some revisions to a draft order on one-touch, make-ready and other pole-attachment policies aimed at facilitating broadband deployment, an informed source said Wednesday. Commissioners are looking at making "tweaks" on "details" in response to a "laundry list" of industry requests, but the main parts of the combined OTMR/pole draft order and declaratory ruling against state and local moratoria are expected to stick, the person said. "It wouldn't surprise me if there are tweaks," said an FCC official, noting heavy lobbying on the 102-page draft (see 1807300040 and 1807260036). Other commission officials didn't comment.
Incumbent interests pressed the FCC to revise aspects of a draft order on one-touch, make-ready and other pole-attachment changes aimed at facilitating broadband deployment. Filings posted Monday and late last week in docket 17-84 on final lobbying (see 1807260036) show electric utilities objected to the draft's proposed communications "self-help" remedies in the power space at the top of poles; cable sought to bolster the rights of existing attachers in the lower-down communications space; ILECs sought expanded application of a draft presumption to lower the attachment rates they pay pole owners; and the Communications Workers of America pushed for changes to uphold the safety and jobs of union members. New entrants remained supportive of the FCC direction as it prepares for a planned vote on the draft at commissioners' Thursday meeting.
Incumbent interests pressed the FCC to revise aspects of a draft order on one-touch, make-ready and other pole-attachment changes aimed at facilitating broadband deployment. Filings posted Monday and late last week in docket 17-84 on final lobbying (see 1807260036) show electric utilities objected to the draft's proposed communications "self-help" remedies in the power space at the top of poles; cable sought to bolster the rights of existing attachers in the lower-down communications space; ILECs sought expanded application of a draft presumption to lower the attachment rates they pay pole owners; and the Communications Workers of America pushed for changes to uphold the safety and jobs of union members. New entrants remained supportive of the FCC direction as it prepares for a planned vote on the draft at commissioners' Thursday meeting.
Parties bombarded the FCC with conflicting advice on one-touch, make-ready plans and other pole-attachment proposals in a draft order aimed at facilitating broadband deployment. Electric utilities pushed for changes to proposed communications provider self-help in the power spaces on poles, and cable continued voicing concern about OTMR treatment of existing attachments. Incumbent telcos sought stronger action to lower the attachment rates they pay pole owners, though Verizon backed OTMR and others supported agency proposals. Filings were posted in docket 17-84 Thursday as lobbying restrictions took effect and the draft was included in the agenda for the Aug. 2 commissioners' meeting.
Parties bombarded the FCC with conflicting advice on one-touch, make-ready plans and other pole-attachment proposals in a draft order aimed at facilitating broadband deployment. Electric utilities pushed for changes to proposed communications provider self-help in the power spaces on poles, and cable continued voicing concern about OTMR treatment of existing attachments. Incumbent telcos sought stronger action to lower the attachment rates they pay pole owners, though Verizon backed OTMR and others supported agency proposals. Filings were posted in docket 17-84 Thursday as lobbying restrictions took effect and the draft was included in the agenda for the Aug. 2 commissioners' meeting.
New entrants backed and telco, cable and electric utility incumbents voiced mixed views about an FCC draft order eying a one-touch, make-ready (OTMR) pole-attachment process and other changes to speed broadband deployment. Google Fiber, Incompas and the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) were supportive; the American Cable Association, AT&T, CenturyLink, Comcast, NCTA, FirstEnergy and American Electric Power Service (AEPS) and Georgia Energy voiced different levels of concern and offered proposed modifications. The stakeholder lobbying was reported in filings posted Tuesday and recently on the draft eyed for a vote at commissioners' Aug. 2 meeting (see 1807120053).