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ISPs Ask FCC For Tax On Big Tech To Fund Broadband Networks and Discounts: An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: Internet service providers are again urging the Federal Communications Commission to impose new fees on Big Tech firms and use the money to subsidize broadband network deployment and affordability programs. If approved, the request would force Big Tech firms to pay into the FCC's Universal Service Fund (USF), which in turn distributes money to broadband providers. The request was made on June 6 by USTelecom, a lobby group for AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink/Lumen, and smaller telcos. USTelecom has made similar arguments before, but its latest request to the FCC argues that the recent death of a broadband discount program should spur the FCC to start extracting money from Big Tech. "Through focusing on the Big Tech companies who benefit most from broadband connectivity, the Commission will fairly allocate the burden of sustaining USF," USTelecom wrote in the FCC filing last week. The USF spends about $8 billion a year. Phone companies must pay a percentage of their revenue into the fund, and telcos generally pass those fees on to consumers with a "Universal Service" line item on telephone bills. The money is directed back to the telco industry with programs like the Connect America Fund and Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which subsidize network construction in unserved and underserved areas. The USF also funds Lifeline program discounts for people with low incomes. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel hasn't stated any intention to expand USF contributions to Big Tech. Separately, she rejected calls to impose Universal Service fees on broadband, leaving phone service as the only source of USF revenue. The USTelecom filing came in response to the FCC asking for input on its latest analysis of competition in the communications marketplace. USTelecom says the USF is relevant to the proceeding because "the Universal Service Fund is critical for maintaining a competitive marketplace and an expanded contributions base is necessary to sustain the fund." No changes to the USF would be made in this proceeding, though USTelecom's comments could be addressed in the FCC's final report. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

ISPs Ask FCC For Tax On Big Tech To Fund Broadband Networks and Discounts: An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: Internet service providers are again urging the Federal Communications Commission to impose new fees on Big Tech firms and use the money to subsidize broadband network deployment and affordability programs. If approved, the request would force Big Tech firms to pay into the FCC's Universal Service Fund (USF), which in turn distributes money to broadband providers. The request was made on June 6 by USTelecom, a lobby group for AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink/Lumen, and smaller telcos. USTelecom has made similar arguments before, but its latest request to the FCC argues that the recent death of a broadband discount program should spur the FCC to start extracting money from Big Tech. "Through focusing on the Big Tech companies who benefit most from broadband connectivity, the Commission will fairly allocate the burden of sustaining USF," USTelecom wrote in the FCC filing last week. The USF spends about $8 billion a year. Phone companies must pay a percentage of their revenue into the fund, and telcos generally pass those fees on to consumers with a "Universal Service" line item on telephone bills. The money is directed back to the telco industry with programs like the Connect America Fund and Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which subsidize network construction in unserved and underserved areas. The USF also funds Lifeline program discounts for people with low incomes. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel hasn't stated any intention to expand USF contributions to Big Tech. Separately, she rejected calls to impose Universal Service fees on broadband, leaving phone service as the only source of USF revenue. The USTelecom filing came in response to the FCC asking for input on its latest analysis of competition in the communications marketplace. USTelecom says the USF is relevant to the proceeding because "the Universal Service Fund is critical for maintaining a competitive marketplace and an expanded contributions base is necessary to sustain the fund." No changes to the USF would be made in this proceeding, though USTelecom's comments could be addressed in the FCC's final report. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Gov. Evers Announces Release of 2024 Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Access Annual Report MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced the release of the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Access’ fourth annual report. Building upon findings from the previous task force reports, the 2024 report provides an update on achievements under Gov. Evers and the Evers Administration to expand access, adoption, and affordability of high-speed internet across Wisconsin. The fourth annual report makes recommendations for the state to efficiently deploy federal broadband funds while sustaining and extending this progress through ongoing state investment and initiatives to advance digital equity. “Having access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet is a necessity—not a luxury—for how Wisconsinites learn, work, get connected to services, and stay in touch with loved ones. And I’m proud my administration has done more to expand access to high-speed internet than any other administration in our state’s history,” said Gov. Evers. “Through our investments, more than 410,000 homes and businesses will be connected to new or improved high-speed internet service, but as this report shows, we've got more work to do. I'll be calling on the Legislature to make real, meaningful investments in broadband in our next budget so we can continue building the 21st-century infrastructure Wisconsinites need and deserve. In the meantime, I want to thank the task force and Public Service Commission for providing this important road map to get us closer to our goal to close the digital divide in our state once and for all.” Since 2019, Gov. Evers has allocated more than $345 million in state and federal funds to expand high-speed internet, including the state’s largest-ever investment in broadband expansion. This funding overall will support new and improved internet service for more than 410,000 homes and businesses statewide. Through these efforts, the broadband adoption rate in Wisconsin, meaning the number of households with internet subscriptions, has reached 88 percent—the highest it has ever been and a full 11 percent higher than it was five years ago. “The annual Broadband Access Task Force report illustrates the Evers Administration’s great success in connecting a record number of homes and businesses to high-speed internet,” said PSC Chairperson Summer Strand. “In the 2024 report, the Task Force presents practical recommendations that build upon our recent accomplishments and will help us achieve internet for all in Wisconsin. I am grateful to Task Force members for their service and expertise in identifying solutions to address barriers to internet access, affordability, and adoption.” Gov. Evers’ administration has done more to expand access to high-speed internet than any other administration in state history, and although great progress has been made to connect more Wisconsin homes and businesses to high-speed internet, more work remains. According to the mos

How does the incoming administration affect fiber broadband policy, especially regarding the BEAD program? Well, I’d expect BEAD to undergo a significant review. The GOP has been vocal about the program's flaws, pointing out that despite its hefty $42.45 billion allocation, it hasn’t yielded the results many expect with that level of taxpayer investment. Some issues include overfunding large legacy telcos that 1. created the digital divide and 2. do not need the money. If they cannot deploy fiber with billions in profits, let them fail, in my view. Do not have taxpayers subsidize these companies. In addition, providers are currently not held accountable for lying about coverage areas or for not completing the work required to procure the funding. These companies have even won future funding rounds despite past transgressions. A Trump administration might push for a more technology-neutral approach, favoring alternatives like satellite broadband or wireless internet service providers (WISP) over traditional fiber. This could mean less emphasis on fiber-only deployments because wireless deployments offer quicker deployment or lower costs. Despite this, many states will likely continue prioritizing fiber where feasible due to its long-term benefits. But, the policy environment might become more open to alternative technologies. This might lead to a redirection of BEAD funds towards technologies like WISPs reducing the focus on fiber. In my view, expect some streamlining of BEAD requirements, particularly in politically charged areas like labor relations, to expedite broadband infrastructure deployment. Additionally, the focus on freeing more spectrum for wireless services could indirectly affect fiber broadband policy. The FCC's role in spectrum policy might change, potentially benefiting companies like WISPs. In my view, as long as we aren’t clawing back already awarded funding, there could be many positives for ending the digital divide. I’ve always said that while I 100% support fiber deployments, we should be way more open to using wireless technology as a last mile. Also, I hope this results in more accountability for Fiber ISPs when it comes to mapping and deploying valuable infrastructure that was promised for taxpayer money. What do you think? #nearthefire #BEAD #fiber #WISP

NEW Carolina West Wireless warned policymakers at the FCC that the company is considering decommissioning some of its cell towers in rural areas if the agency doesn't cough up more money to help finance the company's operations. "Multiple factors – including most importantly – the lack of a stand-alone business model to profitably operate a number of rural sites constructed with federal USF [Universal Service Fund], combined with the loss of legacy high-cost support as contemplated under the 5G Fund rules, could result in the decommissioning of cell sites in rural areas, leaving residents without connectivity and raising substantial public safety issues," Carolina West Wireless wrote in a new filing to the FCC. As noted by Ted Hearn, the company's filing argues that Carolina West Wireless used government subsidies including from the USF to build a number of cell towers in rural areas. However, the subsidies have been shrinking, and Carolina West Wireless said it won't be able to operate the money-losing sites indefinitely without more government funding. As a result, Carolina West argued that the FCC should increase the amount of money it funnels to the company, which provides services across 11 counties in northwestern North Carolina. "Since at least 2011, the federal universal service mechanism has failed to provide support sufficient to maintain high quality services in some areas where Carolina West serves. Carolina West cannot go on supporting money-losing plant in areas that require supplemental operating expense support, and should not be made to do so," the company wrote. "The federal universal service mechanism was designed to provide support to areas such as those highlighted in this waiver request. The citizens living in these affected areas certainly deserve to have access to high quality service, and it is therefore incumbent upon the commission to ensure that services are not only constructed, but also maintained." Carolina West Wireless' 63-page request redacts the company's financial details, the number of cell towers it might decommission, and the amount of money the company is requesting from the FCC. However, Carolina West Wireless officials told Light Reading in 2019 that the company counted around 90,000 customers using roughly 300 cell towers. MORE: https://lnkd.in/gDp4q_85

NEW A brewing debate at the FCC centers on whether open RAN technologies should receive an extra boost as part of the agency's efforts to push up to $9 billion in subsidies for 5G networks in rural areas. Unsurprisingly, the Open RAN Policy Coalition (ORPC) lobbying association thinks so. "ORPC members believe that open RAN solutions are currently viable possibilities for many deployment scenarios that could be supported by the 5G Fund," the Open RAN Policy Coalition wrote of its recent meeting with some FCC officials. The FCC continues to consider the contours of the 5G Fund, which promises to release up to $9 billion in subsidies to encourage network operators to build and operate 5G networks in rural parts of the US. Interestingly, the Open RAN Policy Coalition acknowledged that the FCC does not want to place open RAN requirements on the fund. "With these commission priorities in mind, we discussed several possibilities for postauction incentives that would promote opportunities for open RAN deployment through opportunities that would be available for all winning bidders." The FCC will likely distribute 5G Fund money in a reverse auction, where the lowest bidder for a particular deployment receives fund subsidies. The ORPC urged the FCC to instead consider other options to promote open RAN without putting up-front requirements on companies interested in participating in the 5G Fund. Specifically, the association suggested that the FCC offer additional cash to companies that select open RAN equipment, that it offer more flexibility in its buildout requirements to open RAN proponents, and that it offer "technical assistance and lessons learned" on open RAN deployments. "We believe that post-auction incentives such as these will provide winning bidders meaningful opportunities to choose open RAN solutions for their deployments, thereby advancing the commission's core goals for the 5G Fund and promoting advances in open RAN at the same time," the association wrote. More: https://lnkd.in/dYsJSDYp

Who Will Pay? You Will-- Washington Technology By SEPTEMBER 15, 1994 The Baby Bells have been ringing up astronomical profits by bilking ratepayers out of billions of dollars, according to a telecom market analyst's new study. A friend of mine asked if I was going to celebrate the 30th anniversary of my 'i told you so' cover story (when there were covers) September 1994 Now here's the rub.. All of the 5 year broadband plans have failed to present basic material facts about how the Digital Divide was created in their state, nor did they even mention the name of the current state public telecommunications utility that has been allowed to deteriorate instead of being properly upgraded. Our study, with Probe Reearcj, did a snapshot of the first few years of the first fiber plan for America; Over the last 30 years we watched as fiber to the press release were put out -- but truth is, state laws were changed to pay for upgrades-- even the rural and low income areas. America's plan needs to be different -The affordability issue will not be solved -- we offer a solution in our next story.. Just answer one question -How was the created the Digital Divide in your state and who are responsible? ===== excerpt from-- I told you so, year 30. "Instead, Kushnick said, alternative regulation allowed the Bells to consistently jack up the price for a plethora of services and divert the profits to lobbying efforts, shareholder dividends and overseas investments. What the Bells have spent on infrastructure, he charges, has come out of regulated ratepayer revenues, strengthening the Bells' dominant status against future competitors that lack access to a regulated revenue stream. "State laws allow them to build networks we pay for and they own, which is completely anti-competitive," he said. Kushnick's report also cites a study conducted by the Michigan Public Service Commission done after that state's first year of alternative regulation.

74% of all federally funded U.S. broadband providers rely on the Calix Platform to win and maintain their funding 💰 With billions of dollars from once-in-a-generation funding opportunities on the line, the Calix Platform has enabled broadband service providers to navigate the complexities of performance testing. In just three years, over 2 billion total tests have been performed, helping support customers on their funding journey and simplifying their business while growing value for communities across rural America. John Durocher, chief customer officer, emphasizes the value: “Innovations to the industry’s only end-to-end platform have made testing effortless for our customers, especially those who lack the resources to dedicate time to demanding quarterly mandates when they need to focus on growing their network.” Explore how Calix continues to support customers on their funding journey. 🚀 🔗https://ow.ly/TVNa30sBHqN #PerformanceTesting #Innovation #Broadband

U Mobile Announces Strategic Alignment Of Ownership; Gears Up For Second 5G Network U Mobile has issued a press release, announcing its readiness to lead Malaysia’s second 5G network rollout, positioning itself as the optimal choice to deliver the new infrastructure. In a recent press release, the telco highlighted its commitment to national priorities, focusing on increased Malaysian ownership and local participation in critical telecommunications projects. Building on a previous announcement, U Mobile announced that Straits Mobile Investment Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Telemedia, will reduce its shareholding to 20%. This adjustment aligns with U Mobile’s goal of bolstering local partnerships and strengthening the Malaysian telecommunications industry. The company underscored that while foreign ownership is common in the sector, its focus remains on supporting national interests through enhanced local engagement. U Mobile’s confidence in its 5G rollout capability stems from a solid track record spanning 17 years. The telco says it currently serves 9 million customers and operates over 10,000 network sites, providing coverage to 95% of the population. It emphasised that its extensive experience and infrastructure would ensure a rapid and cost-effective deployment of the second 5G network. Image: Berjaya The introduction of a second 5G network is seen by U Mobile as a step towards fostering a competitive telecom landscape. The telco noted that competition historically drives innovation and lowers costs, ultimately benefiting consumers. U Mobile positions itself as a leader in affordability, offering services that are 20-25% cheaper than those of its competitors while maintaining similar or superior quality. U Mobile highlights that it has pioneered unlimited data plans and innovative network-sharing solutions, in addition to being the first telco to provide 5G services at no extra cost. It added that these initiatives have made advanced mobile services more accessible and affordable for Malaysians, reinforcing the company’s reputation as an industry disruptor. Tan Sri Vincent Tan (Image: Bernama) The telco plans to fund the 5G rollout entirely through private investments, with support from shareholders and financial institutions such as UOB, CIMB, and AmBank. U Mobile highlighted its financial stability, noting positive EBITDA since 2017 and a strong operating cash flow. This financial backing, along with strategic partnerships, ensures that the rollout will not require public funds. Prior to the telco’s statement, its major shareholder and chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan also defended U Mobile’s selection for the second 5G network. Speaking to Business Today, he dismissed claims of preferential treatment and criticised the current 5G monopoly under Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), introduced during the Muhyiddin administration. Tan argued that DNB’s approach risks taxpayer money and underscored the need for competition to...

74% of all federally funded U.S. broadband providers rely on the Calix Platform to win and maintain their funding 💰 With billions of dollars from once-in-a-generation funding opportunities on the line, the Calix Platform has enabled broadband service providers to navigate the complexities of performance testing. In just three years, over 2 billion total tests have been performed, helping support customers on their funding journey and simplifying their business while growing value for communities across rural America. John Durocher, chief customer officer, emphasizes the value: “Innovations to the industry’s only end-to-end platform have made testing effortless for our customers, especially those who lack the resources to dedicate time to demanding quarterly mandates when they need to focus on growing their network.” Explore how Calix continues to support customers on their funding journey. 🚀 🔗https://ow.ly/KzGh30sBvMW #PerformanceTesting #Innovation #Broadband