NTCA representatives explained the group’s stance on an FCC proposal on rules to speed a move to next-generation 911 (see 2309110042) in a meeting with an aide to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, said a filing Tuesday in docket 21-479. “NTCA reiterated its support for reasonable steps to advance a transition to NG911 given the increased situational awareness it will provide to first responders,” the group said: “NTCA’s advocacy for an alternative cost allocation methodology in place of that proposed by the Commission is simply a surgical amendment to the overall approach as found in the NPRM in specifying that the party that is paid by and contractually responsible to state and local governmental entities to implement NG911 should be responsible for the costs of doing so.”

The FCC Native Nations Communications Task Force's term was extended until Dec. 31, said a public notice Monday. Applications for the task force's next term are due by Nov. 30. The current term was to expire Oct. 24.

The FCC robocall response team announced 20 new Enforcement Bureau orders Monday to begin removing providers from the robocall mitigation database for noncompliance with Stir/Shaken requirements. The companies must show cause within 14 days on why they shouldn't be removed, said a news release. "Robocalls are a plague on our phones," said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel: "That is why we are taking this action today and won't stop looking for new ways to get this junk off the line."

The FCC Enforcement Bureau reinstated Global UC to the robocall mitigation database, in an order Monday. The provider was removed from the database last year (see 2211220065).

Searchlight Capital Partners and British Columbia Investment Management will acquire Consolidated Communications in an all-cash transaction, Consolidated said Monday. The roughly $3.1 billion deal is expected to close by the first quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. "We believe this transaction provides substantial value for our shareholders while also enhancing our flexibility to continue the execution of our fiber expansion strategy,” said Consolidated CEO Bob Udell. “We have been operating in a shifting economic environment over the course of this past year, resulting in higher operating costs and a challenging market for attractive financing options," Udell said: "While we are pleased with how we have managed the business despite these headwinds, several factors recently necessitated that we delay our estimated fiber build completion beyond 2026."

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation raised concerns last week about NTIA's comments to the FCC on digital discrimination. NTIA's use of the term "pricing practices" was a "poor disguise" to encourage adoption of rate regulation, ITIF said in a letter posted Friday in docket 22-69 (see 2310060067). It would be "an extreme step that would be harmful to the goal of universal connectivity and continued broadband investment," the group said. ITIF encouraged the FCC to "resist mission creep" with its ultimate digital discrimination rules. The International Center for Law & Economics agreed, adding the FCC "has for years been explicit about its apprehension to impose direct rate regulation." It also asked the agency to reject NTIA's proposal to adopt a disparate impact standard in the definition of digital discrimination. "Mere statistical correlation between outcomes and protected characteristics is insufficient to demonstrate discrimination," the group said.

Industry groups and consumer advocates had multiple meetings with FCC aides on a draft NPRM that would officially kick off the commission's efforts to restore net neutrality rules, per several ex parte filings posted Thursday in docket 23-320 (see 2309280084). NTCA said in separate meetings with aides to Commissioners Anna Gomez and Nathan Simington that the FCC should "recognize and seek input on the multi-sided nature of the internet ecosystem" if it examines internet traffic exchange. It also urged the commission to ask "open-ended questions" in its proceeding to "develop a meaningful and balanced record regarding the potential benefits and costs of proposed forbearance from contribution obligations." Lumen raised similar concerns with the Wireline Bureau and aides to Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. It asked the FCC to seek comment on whether it should apply rules to internet traffic exchange and on "which rules it should apply." Title II regulation "would have a disproportionately adverse impact" on Wireless ISP Association members, the group said in a meeting with a Rosenworcel aide. "The draft NPRM must be more explicit in contemplating substantial steps to eliminate the negative impact of common carrier regulation on small providers," WISPA said. Public Knowledge had separate meetings with aides to Gomez, Starks and Rosenworcel on state preemption. It asked the FCC to seek comment on circumstances where "total preemption may be contrary to the public interest," such as in instances of digital discrimination, public safety and network reliability. The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society urged the Office of General Counsel to clarify the status of pending petitions for reconsideration of the FCC's restoring internet freedom order either separately or as part of the draft proceeding.

ISPs must comply with the FCC's broadband label rules by April 10, said a notice in Tuesday's Federal Register (see 2211180077). Providers with up to 100,000 subscribers have until Oct. 10, 2024, to comply. “This is a big win for consumers, who need clear and transparent information when making decisions about what internet service makes the most sense for their households," said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.

Industry disagreed on whether some of the FCC's proposed changes to its interoperable videoconferencing service rules are necessary, in reply comments posted Tuesday in docket 03-123 (see 2308070015). It's "premature" to adopt new performance objectives, said the Consumer Technology Association. "The commission's questions are ripe for further dialogue," CTA said, saying a Further NPRM would "be an appropriate next step." CTA raised concerns about the "numerous and minute details in the record" on noncompliance conditions. "As a threshold issue, Congress only authorized the commission prescribe affirmative performance objectives," CTA said. T-Mobile agreed, saying there are "many open questions" about integrating video relay service with interoperable videoconferencing services. The carrier also backed a collaborative approach between consumers and providers before further regulations are adopted. ZP Better Together backed the proposed changes. ZP said it supports amending the privacy screen rule, saying video relay service users' ability to "put up a privacy screen is not only necessary but a fundamental right for a deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind user to have the same experience and option in a video conference call as their hearing counterparts." ZP also urged the FCC to ensure videoconferencing is provided in a way that's "functionally equivalent to hearing participants." Sign-Speak urged the FCC to "take caution" so it doesn't "create harm to the interpretation industry." The company said current accessibility in interoperable videoconferencing service platforms is "insufficient," asking the FCC to require that accessibility be "provided" rather than "enabled" in its rules.

The Utilities Technology Council said Friday it’s accepting applications for the president-CEO position. “UTC is undergoing a great period of technology transition and industry expansion,” the group said: “To usher in this era of growth, we are seeking a candidate that can demonstrate a detailed understanding of and appreciation for the industry’s business, regulatory, and technology issues.” Sheryl Osiene-Riggs left the post in May (see 2305100021).