The_Mix_logo3.pngThe Regulatory Mix, TMI’s daily blog of regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of a TMI Briefing.

TELECOM

 

CRTC

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is gathering information on the future of 9-1-1 services (NG9-1-1) in Canada to ensure that they benefit from these technological advancements.  It is seeking comments on:

  • what services should be offered;
  • who will play a role in offering these services; and
  • how these services should be paid for. 

 

The CRTC will hold a public hearing, beginning on January 16, 2017, in Gatineau, Quebec.  The deadline for submission of interventions is May 20, 2016.

FCC

          Mobile Device Security Updates

The FCC and Federal Trade Commission are working together to improve the security of mobile devices.  The FCC announced it sent a letter to mobile providers asking questions about their process for reviewing and releasing security updates for mobile devices.  The FTC announced it ordered eight mobile device manufacturers to provide it with information about how they issue security updates to address vulnerabilities in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.  The agencies noted that there has been a growing number of vulnerabilities associated with mobile operating systems that threaten the security and integrity of a user’s device, including “Stagefright” in the Android operating system, which may affect almost 1 billion Android devices globally.  Responses to both letters are due within 45 days.  The eight companies receiving orders from the FTC are: Apple, Inc.; Blackberry Corp.; Google, Inc.; HTC America, Inc.; LG Electronics USA, Inc.; Microsoft Corp.; Motorola Mobility, LLC; and Samsung Electronics America, Inc.  The FCC did not release a list of carriers that received its letter.

 

California

Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) has invited members of the local media to attend a hearing being held to discuss “the severe internet, telephone, and cable outages Frontier Communications customers are enduring across California.”  The hearing will be held on May 18, 2016, in Sacramento, CA.  The hearing is being held because “Frontier Communications customers have been experiencing severe telephone, internet, and cable outages since its transition from Verizon on April 1st.  Media reports have detailed a myriad of issues customers have suffered through, including residents’ inability to dial 911 for an emergency, home security alarms not functioning, and cities unable to live-stream city council meetings.”

 

Connecticut

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has opened a new proceeding to review the State’s Telecommunications Relay Service.  On June 30, 2017, the State’s contract with Sprint for the provision of Telecommunications Relay Service is set to expire.  “This docket will provide the administrative vehicle for the Authority in consultation with the Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Office of Consumer Counsel to select a TRS vendor for the next contract period.” 

 

District of Columbia

The PSC has extended the time to file comments and reply comments in its rulemaking and review of Chapter 27, “Regulation of Telecommunications Service Providers,” the local exchange carrier quality of service standards.  TMI Briefing Service subscribers see Briefing dated 4/19/16.  Comments are now due by June 27, 2016; reply comments are now due by July 11, 2016.

 

 

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