Archive for the ‘News’ Category

FCC Takes Steps to Wind-Down ACP Program – Potential Notices Required

Barring further Congressional appropriations, the Affordability Connectivity Program (“ACP”) is expected to last through April 2024, and will completely run out of funds in May of 2024. Accordingly, on January 11, 2024, the FCC published an Order1 detailing the wind-down of the program, which will stop accepting new enrollments on February 8, 2024. In the […]

FCC Adopts Pole Attachment Rules and Seeks Further Comment

On December 13, 2023, the FCC adopted an Order, Declaratory Ruling, and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”)1 regarding the pole attachment process, which is key to the FCC’s efforts to support broadband infrastructure. Specifically, the FCC established a new, expedited process for the Commission’s review and assessment of pole attachment disputes that impede or delay […]

FCC Seeks Comment on Steps to Combat Digital Discrimination

On December 21, 2022, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking1 (“NPRM”) seeking comment on steps to promote and facilitate equal access to broadband internet service, with the goal of creating a framework of rules to address digital discrimination of access to broadband for historically excluded and marginalized communities. Specifically, the FCC seeks comment […]

FCC Provides Guidance on Performance Measures Requirements for Carriers Transitioning to Enhanced A-CAM and Those Remaining on CAF BLS

The FCC recently released guidance for carriers that have elected to transition to Enhanced A-CAM on January 1, 2024.1 While January 1, 2026 is the start date for Enhanced A-CAM carriers’ pre-testing period, carriers that do not meet their existing A-CAM, A-CAM II, or CAF BLS deployment milestones due by December 31, 2023 will be […]

International Section 214 Authorization Holders Must Respond to One-Time Information Collection Regarding Foreign Ownership Due January 22, 2024

Every International Section 214 Authorization Holder (“Authorization Holder”) must respond to a One-Time Information Collection in order to update the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) records regarding foreign ownership. The window for filing is open now and responses are due no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Time on January 22, 2024. Failure to file, to file […]

REMINDER: Hearing Aid Compatibility Certifications Due January 31, 2024 (Filing Window Opens Tuesday, January 2, 2024)

Wireless service providers (including de minimis wireless service providers) must file their annual Hearing Aid Compatibility Certifications with the FCC for the calendar year 2023 reporting period by January 31, 2024 (by midnight ET). FCC Form 855 will be available for completion and submission starting the first business day after January 1 to January 31 […]

FCC Adopts High-Cost Administrative Changes

The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has made a number of changes to rules and procedures relating to the administration of the Universal Service high-cost fund, specifically (1) annual reporting and certification; (2) process for mergers between rate-of-return (“ROR”) local exchange carriers (“LECs”); (3) allocation of support for exchanges acquired by Broadband Loop Support (“BLS”) recipients; […]

FCC Extends Limited Waiver for Professional Engineer Requirement in BDC Reporting Subject to Additional Conditions

The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) granted a Petition for Extension of Waiver, which extends the 2022 waiver of the requirement for Professional Engineer (“PE”) certification of Broadband Data Collection (“BDC”) filings (“2022 Waiver”).1 The extension of the limited 2022 Waiver will apply to the three upcoming BDC filing periods covering data as of December 31, […]

FCC Adopts Rules to Help Domestic Violence Survivors Access Connectivity

According to the FCC, domestic abuse survivors whose devices and associated telephone numbers are part of a multi-line or shared plan can face difficulties separating lines from such plans, maintaining affordable service, and accessing domestic violence support services. Accordingly, on November 15, 2023, the FCC adopted rules to implement the Safe Connections Act of 2022 […]

Carrie DeVier Licensed to Practice Law in Texas

Herman & Whiteaker, LLC is pleased to announce that Carrie DeVier is now licensed to practice law in Texas. Carrie can now bring her expertise in complex corporate transactional matters, such as business formation and governance, mergers and acquisitions, financing arrangements, and corporate borrowing, to our clients who need assistance on the state level in […]