I've been following the FCC's Intercarrier Compensation and Universal
Service dockets for over a decade now, and have filed a heap of
Comments on them. So naturally when an Order comes out, I pay a lot
of attention. Usually I send a memo about it to my clients.
However, while the FCC adopted an Order last Thursday, they haven't
released the Order itself yet! This isn't unprecedented, but is
unusual. In 2003, they adopted the Triennial Review Order in
February and only finished the text in August. The "adoption" of the
order was fake, to meet a deadline; they fought over it for
months. Then it was remanded, and they fought over it some more. I
hope this one doesn't take so long. Rumor is that it's about done,
so I don't know why it isn't out yet.
They did release an Executive Summary, which basically leaves a lot
of details to the actual Order. But this one paragraph struck me as
interesting to WISPs:
"14. Remote Areas Fund. We allocate at least $100 million per year to
ensure that Americans living in the most remote areas in the nation,
where the cost of deploying traditional terrestrial broadband
networks is extremely high, can obtain affordable access through
alternative technology platforms, including satellite and unlicensed
wireless services.3 We propose in the FNPRM a structure and
operational details for that mechanism, including the form of
support, eligible geographic areas and providers, and public interest
obligations. We expect to finalize the Remote Areas Fund in 2012 with
implementation in 2013."
The FNPRM means further rulemaking is being opened for Comment; it's
not decided yet. Since they're talking about unlicensed wireless,
WISPs might be able to play. They will however have to become
Eligible. Wireline LECs usually get their ETC status from states,
while wireless carriers can get it from the FCC. It's not clear how
hard it will be for WISPs to get ETC status. It's not a big fund, and
it only applies to really remote areas, but it might be useful for
some of this group. So let's see what is in the Order.
--
Fred Goldstein k1io fgoldstein "at" ionary.com
ionary Consulting http://www.ionary.com/
+1 617 795 2701
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