California’s net neutrality law still faces industry challenge after DOJ notified (in Pacer) the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of California Monday that it moved to voluntarily dismiss the case (see 2102080059). Judge John Mendez soon afterward dismissed (in Pacer) and closed case 2:18-cv-02660, but not USTelecom, ACA Connects and other industry associations’ separate suit in case 2:18-cv-02684 before the same judge. Democrats applauded DOJ's withdrawing.

California’s net neutrality law still faces industry challenge after DOJ notified (in Pacer) the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of California Monday that it moved to voluntarily dismiss the case (see 2102080059). Judge John Mendez soon afterward dismissed (in Pacer) and closed case 2:18-cv-02660, but not USTelecom, ACA Connects and other industry associations’ separate suit in case 2:18-cv-02684 before the same judge. Democrats applauded DOJ's withdrawing.

Reinstate broadband internet access service's Title II telecom service classification and reestablish net neutrality rules, Incompas asked the FCC in a docket 17-108 filing emailed Friday. Larger providers have "the incentive and ability to harm competition and consumers as they have done in the past and will continue to do so in the future" if the commission doesn't reinstate the rules under Communications Act Title II, Incompas said in its petition for reconsideration on the commission's 2017 net neutrality repeal (see 2101070067). "It's time for the FCC to right a wrong, look to the future, and listen to the overwhelming majority of Americans who support bipartisan open internet protections," said CEO Chip Pickering.

Let noneligible telecom carriers access Universal Service Administrative Co. data systems so they can immediately participate in the emergency broadband benefit program, NCTA, ACA Connects, the Wireless ISP Association and Incompas asked FCC Wireline Bureau staff, per a letter posted Thursday in docket 20-445 (see 2101260053). Consumers will be "deprived of the variety and quality of services that Congress intended the program to provide" if non-ETCs are unable to sign up customers and be reimbursed as existing Lifeline providers, the associations said.

Let noneligible telecom carriers access Universal Service Administrative Co. data systems so they can immediately participate in the emergency broadband benefit program, NCTA, ACA Connects, the Wireless ISP Association and Incompas asked FCC Wireline Bureau staff, per a letter posted Thursday in docket 20-445 (see 2101260053). Consumers will be "deprived of the variety and quality of services that Congress intended the program to provide" if non-ETCs are unable to sign up customers and be reimbursed as existing Lifeline providers, the associations said.

Providers, regulators and advocacy groups urged the FCC to establish broad eligibility criteria for its $3.2 billion emergency broadband fund and begin the program as soon as possible (see 2101070052). Several suggested relying on Lifeline rules. Some urged working with other federal agencies on data-sharing agreements to ensure all eligible households can enroll. Comments were due Monday.

President Joe Biden named Jessica Rosenworcel as acting FCC chair Thursday (see 2101210053), and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter as acting FTC chair (see 2101210048). The Commerce Department said Evelyn Remaley, head of NTIA’s Office of Policy Analysis and Development, will temporarily lead that agency.

President Joe Biden named Jessica Rosenworcel as acting FCC chair Thursday (see 2101210053), and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter as acting FTC chair (see 2101210048). The Commerce Department said Evelyn Remaley, head of NTIA’s Office of Policy Analysis and Development, will temporarily lead that agency.

To improve broadband mapping data, the FCC is requiring facilities-based fixed service providers to report service coverage and identify where services are offered. Tuesday's order requires providers report speed and latency. Terrestrial fixed wireless service providers must report coordinates of their base services. The FCC disagreed with Incompas' proposal to exempt providers using unbundled network element loops, special access lines and other leased facilities to provide broadband access to end users, arguing that such exemptions "could result in an understatement of coverage" because incumbents aren't required make the same service available to end users. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said this data collection will "be an invaluable tool" to address challenges to broadband deployment: "I'm excited that we can look forward to having a better picture of America's broadband needs." Commissioner Geoffrey Starks noted unanimous approval: "This decision, combined with the mapping funding Congress appropriated last month, will move the commission toward significantly better data practices." Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel sought more action and acknowledged this decision as "the beginning of building a better foundation" for broadband policy. Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition Executive Director John Windhausen was "disheartened" by excluding schools and healthcare providers from the mapping effort, saying "the commission has lost sight of the bigger picture imperative to map the full scope of broadband availability."

To improve broadband mapping data, the FCC is requiring facilities-based fixed service providers to report service coverage and identify where services are offered. Tuesday's order requires providers report speed and latency. Terrestrial fixed wireless service providers must report coordinates of their base services. The FCC disagreed with Incompas' proposal to exempt providers using unbundled network element loops, special access lines and other leased facilities to provide broadband access to end users, arguing that such exemptions "could result in an understatement of coverage" because incumbents aren't required make the same service available to end users. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said this data collection will "be an invaluable tool" to address challenges to broadband deployment: "I'm excited that we can look forward to having a better picture of America's broadband needs." Commissioner Geoffrey Starks noted unanimous approval: "This decision, combined with the mapping funding Congress appropriated last month, will move the commission toward significantly better data practices." Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel sought more action and acknowledged this decision as "the beginning of building a better foundation" for broadband policy. Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition Executive Director John Windhausen was "disheartened" by excluding schools and healthcare providers from the mapping effort, saying "the commission has lost sight of the bigger picture imperative to map the full scope of broadband availability."