Communications & Media

TeleCommunications are subscription-based regulatory alerts, FCC reports, and webcasts from the Communications & Media Practice at Moss Adams LLP. These updates and analysis focus on issues and developments that have the potential to significantly impact small and midsize telecommunications carriers.

With experienced professionals throughout the country, including in Washington DC, who monitor and work directly with government agencies and industry associations, Telecommunications offers the most up-to-date data on these key topics:

• FCC orders
• FCC reporting requirements
• Public notices
• Notices of proposed rulemaking
• New and revised Rural Utility Service (RUS) rules
• Court decisions
• Legislative developments

To learn more about TeleCommunications subscription services or our other services for the telecommunications industry, submit your contact information.

FCC Authorizes 368 Companies to Receive Enhanced A-CAM Support | Moss Adams Alert – October 31, 2023

The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau has released a Public Notice authorizing 368 rate-of-return companies that elected offers of Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) support to receive that support. Authorization Report 1 shows the authorization amount and initial deployment obligations for each company that elected an offer.     (Subscribe for more information)

FCC Modifies Rules Related to Administration of the USF High Cost Program | Moss Adams Alert – October 24, 2023

On October 20^th, the FCC released a Report and Order that makes several modifications to, and clarifications of, rules related to the administration of the USF high-cost program. Among other changes, the Order modifies annual reporting and certification obligations for high-cost support recipients and makes several rule modifications to improve Commission oversight, including increased frequency of performance testing reporting. The Order also streamlines processes governing mergers between rate-of-return local exchange carriers. In addition, the Order eliminates waiver exceptions for study area boundary changes. Finally, the Order establishes a new notice requirement for carriers relinquishing their eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) designations before state authorities.     (Subscribe for more information)

FCC Initiates Annual Notice of Inquiry on Broadband Deployment | Moss Adams FCC Report – November 2023

On November 1^st, the FCC released its annual Broadband Deployment Report Notice of Inquiry (NOI). Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act requires the FCC to annually determine and report “whether advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion.” The NOI solicits comment and information to help guide the Commission’s analysis.

The NOI first seeks comment on the appropriate standards for evaluating the physical deployment of fixed and mobile broadband service. Specifically, the Notice proposes to increase the FCC’s speed benchmark for fixed broadband service from 25/3 Mbps to 100/20 Mbps. It also seeks comment on adopting a long-term fixed broadband speed goal of 1 Gbps/500 Mbps.      (Subscribe for more information)