The 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 Regulatory Bulletin.
TELECOM
US Congress
Representative Alexander Moone (R-WV) has introduced HR 1712, the “Freedom from Internet Tax Act,” that would exempt broadband Internet access service providers from the obligation to contribute to the federal Universal Service Fund. The exemption would apply only insofar as the provider is providing broadband Internet access service. The bill would define broadband Internet access service by reference to the FCC’s new, open Internet/Net Neutrality Rules. See our 2/27/15 Blog FCC Adopts Net Neutrality Rules. TMI Regulatory Bulletin Service subscribers see Bulletin dated 3/20/15.
FCC
The FCC announced the agenda for its April 17, 2015, Open Meeting. The FCC will consider the following items: (1) a Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would leverage innovative spectrum sharing technologies to make 150 megahertz of contiguous spectrum available in the 3550-3700 MHz band for wireless broadband and other uses; and (2) a Public Notice requesting additional comment on how to ensure that small businesses, rural telephone companies, and businesses owned by members of minority groups and women have an opportunity to participate in the provision of spectrum-based services, while ensuring that there are adequate safeguards to protect against unjust enrichment to ineligible entities. Audio/Video coverage of the meeting will be broadcast live at www.fcc.gov/live.
Alaska
The Regulatory Commission of Alaska announced it will hold a second technical conference on May 4, 2015, in its docket considering changes to its tariff filing rules for competitive local markets. In the same order, the Commission denied petitions seeking to close the rulemaking docket and instead establish an investigation docket. TMI Regulatory Bulletin Service subscribers see Bulletin dated 12/2/14.
ENERGY
Pennsylvania
The PUC approved settlements for lower rate increases than originally requested by FirstEnergy Corp. for its four Pennsylvania subsidiaries: Pennsylvania Power Company, West Penn Power Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, and Pennsylvania Electric Company. The rate increases impact the cost to deliver electric service to homes and businesses, which makes up about one-third of a customer’s bill. See Press Release here.
