Telecom Alert: Additional 911 Rules; 911 Diversity Complaint; Alaska Connect Fund; USF Revision Deadline; FCC Regulatory Freeze [Vol. XXI, Issue 46]

APCO Requests Additional 911 Rules

The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) made recommendations to FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s office to issue proposed rulemaking on additional interoperability requirements for 9-1-1 providers. Specifically, APCO suggested that the emergency communication centers (ECC) which each provider serves should be able to certify their ability to transfer traffic to other ECCs located in at least three other states. This certification will demonstrate the ECCs’ capabilities to provide mutual aid to neighboring ECCs as well as troubleshoot misdirected IP-based traffic. APCO also suggested the FCC expand upon technical requirements for providers, such as record management and upgrading existing technology. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239) or Tim Doughty (doughty@khlaw.com; 202.434.4271).

911 Authority Files Diversity Complaint with Colorado PUC

Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority has filed a complaint with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission regarding CenturyLink’s failure to have diverse 911 circuits between its offices during a July 29th wildfire. The complaint alleges that CenturyLink’s lack of geographic and physical in its BES network near Estes Park and Loveland in Larimer County violated FCC rules to protect against environmental risks, as well as minimum equipment standards set by Colorado statute. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239) or Tim Doughty (doughty@khlaw.com; 202.434.4271).

FCC Adopts Alaska Connect Fund

The FCC adopted an Order to establish the Alaska Connect Fund which will expand broadband infrastructure support for mobile and fixed carriers already receiving USF support in Alaska. The Fund will provide fixed service providers with a transitional period through 2028 to complete existing network deployments, followed by a fixed support period through the end of 2034 to help meet maintenance and operational needs. However, fixed providers’ support will be balanced against the flow of BEAD funding and other federal grants. Mobile providers will undergo a similar two-phase approach to support existing deployments and increase coverage. For more information, please contact Casey Lide (lide@khlaw.com; 202.434.4186) or Sean Stokes (stokes@khlaw.com; 410.458.1342).

Deadline for Revisions for USF Quarterly Reporting

The Universal Service Fund (USF) deadline for filers to submit revisions to their forecast of their revenue for the next calendar quarter is due on December 16th. Filers must use FCC Form 499-Q and submit their forms using E-File, the USAC’s online filing system. Failure to file revisions within 45 days of the Form filing deadline will result in late filing fees assessed by the USAC. For more information, please contact Casey Lide (lide@khlaw.com; 202.434.4186) or Sean Stokes (stokes@khlaw.com; 410.458.1342).

Republicans Urge FCC Regulatory Freeze

House Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash) issued a letter to FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel requesting that the FCC halt all controversial decisions during the transition period, and limit upcoming agendas to bipartisan, consensus-based issues. This request mirrors public remarks made by FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, who similarly requested the FCC focus on the transition to the Trump Administration, as is customary in advance of administrative changes.

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