November 30, 2022 Deadline for Canadian TSPs – Second CRTC STIR/SHAKEN Status Reports
On November 30, 2022, all Telecommunications Service Providers (TSPs) required to fully implement STIR/SHAKEN as a condition of providing or offering services in Canada must file their second post-implementation STIR/SHAKEN status reports with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). TSPs can rely on the CRTC’s template, which adds additional optional questions not included in […]
FCC Orders all ISPs to Implement Broadband ‘Nutrition Labels’ Disclosing Charges, Speeds, Limitations and Other Terms of Service
On November 17, 2022, the FCC released an Order and Further Rulemaking adopting rules requiring Internet service providers (“ISPs”) to display — at the point of sale — labels that disclose information about: Prices and fees (including introductory rates or discounts) applicable to the services being purchased, Data allowances and broadband speeds, and Information about […]
Changes in a General Services Administration (GSA) Registration Process Will Affect Service Providers Participating in the Universal Service Fund (USF) Programs, Starting on November 16, 2022.
All service providers who receive funding from any of the FCC’s USF programs, or the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), are required to have an identification number, called a SPIN, in order to file FCC Form 498 and to receive funds. Among the items formerly required to obtain a SPIN was a so-called DUNS number, […]
California Transforms CA Combined Surcharge; Effective April 2023, Access Line Based Contribution Methodology Replaces Revenue-Based System
On October 24, 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) released Decision 21-10-021 in Rulemaking Docket 21-03-002 wherein the CPUC adopted the Administrative Law Judge’s proposed order implementing a new surcharge mechanism that fundamentally transforms California’s universal service, lifeline and public interest programs, commonly known in the industry as the “California Combined surcharge” (CA Combined)(the […]
CALL TO ACTION! Seeking Additional Stakeholders Interested in Filing Joint Comments in FCC’s RoboText Mitigation Rulemaking Proceeding; Must Act Fast!
As delineated in a recent Client Advisory, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) is proposing new rules to mitigate malicious robotext campaigns. The FCC is soliciting public comments on whether to require mobile wireless providers to, among other things, find and actively block illegal texts, as well as ideas to apply caller ID authentication […]
FCC Submits 2022 Biennial CVAA Report to Congress, Citing Compliance Gaps in Video Conferencing Services
On October 11, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or the “Commission”) released its sixth CVAA biennial report to Congress (the “Report”), assessing industry compliance over the past two years with sections 255, 716, and 718 of the Communications Act of 1934, as required by the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (“CVAA”). These […]
FCC Seeks Comments on Proposed Anti-Robotext Rules
The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) recently released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) proposing new rules to mitigate malicious robotext campaigns. The FCC is soliciting public comments on whether to require mobile wireless providers to find and actively block illegal texts, as well as ideas to apply caller ID authentication standards to text […]
FCC Adopts Rules Making Emergency Alert System Communications More Accessible and Less Confusing to Consumers
On September 29, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC” or “Commission”) approved a Report and Order (the “Order”) adopting new rules that will improve the clarity and accessibility of emergency alert messages delivered using the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for all Americans and, in particular, people with disabilities. The new rules require all EAS […]
FCC Enforcement Bureau Orders 7 Providers to Show Cause Why They Should Not Have Traffic Blocked for Alleged Non-Compliance With Robocall Mitigation Rules
The FCC’s Robocall Response Team today announced first-of-their-kind Enforcement Bureau orders to begin removing seven voice service providers from the agency’s Robocall Mitigation Database. The orders demanded that Akabis, Cloud4, Global UC, Horizon Technology Group, Morse Communications, Sharon Telephone Company, and SW Arkansas Telecommunications and Technology show cause within 14 days as to why the […]
FCC Expands Disability Access Obligations of Inmate Calling Service Providers and Proposes Additional Regulatory Changes to Improve Communications for Inmates with Hearing and Speech Disabilities
On September 8, 2022 the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) released a report and order and further notice of proposed rulemaking adopting sweeping changes to its regulations governing access to telecommunications relay services (TRS) for incarcerated individuals with hearing and speech disabilities. The new rules require inmate calling service (ICS) providers to offer all […]
FCC Proposes $153,000 Penalty Against VoIP Provider Whose Outsourced Compliance Vendor Allegedly Failed to Respond to USAC
Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NAL), proposing a $153,000 penalty against PayG, LLC, d/b/a Skyswitch, for its alleged failure to: (a) cooperate with the revenue reporting verification functions (i.e., “contributor audits”) performed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) on behalf of the FCC, (b) file […]
Gateway Providers’ Traceback Compliance Rule Effective September 23, 2022
In a previous Client Advisory, the CommLaw Group delineated the new robocall mitigation regulatory requirements imposed on previously exempt gateway providers by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”). In a Report & Order released May 20, 2022, the FCC imposed a number of new rules on gateway providers, which it defines as “U.S.-based intermediate […]
FCC Annual Regulatory Fees Due by September 28th – 25% PENALTY for Late Payment
TIME-SENSITIVE REGULATORY COMPLIANCE NOTICE: Annual Regulatory Fees Payable to the Federal Communications Commission Due No Later than September 28, 2022 Nearly all Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) licensees and other regulated entities must pay regulatory fees annually to offset costs associated with the FCC’s enforcement, public service, international, policy, and rulemaking activities. Fee amounts […]
FCC Annual Regulatory Fees Due by September 28th – 25% PENALTY for Late Payment
TIME-SENSITIVE REGULATORY COMPLIANCE NOTICE: Annual Regulatory Fees Payable to the Federal Communications Commission Due No Later than September 28, 2022 Nearly all Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) licensees and other regulated entities must pay regulatory fees annually to offset costs associated with the FCC’s enforcement, public service, international, policy, and rulemaking activities. Fee amounts […]
Reminder – FCC BDC Fabric Bulk Challenge Informational Webinar Today at 2pm EST
On September 1, 2022, The FCC released a public notice announcing the start of the bulk challenge process for the Broadband Data Collection’s (BDC) Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric prepared by CostQuest. As of September 12, 2022, bulk challenges to BDC Fabric data may be filed by state, local, or Tribal governments; service providers; and other […]
FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION! California Opens Rulemaking Proceeding to Determine Future Regulatory Framework Applicable to VoIP Services; Clock is Ticking and the Time to Voice Your Concerns is Now!
On August 30, 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC” or “Commission”) issued an Order Instituting a Rulemaking to consider issues related to licensing of interconnected VoIP (“I-VoIP”) providers. In particular, the CPUC will examine its authority to regulate nomadic I-VoIP providers, specifically to (a) collect state Universal Service Fund (“USF”) surcharges; and (b) adopt […]
