If telcos don’t like FCC’s proposed ‘connection-based’ method of ...

was convinced current contribution system “isn’t sustainable” so something would have to replace it. Abernathy told group it probably would take “a good 2 years” for FCC to replace current collection system and agency would welcome ideas from carriers. Explaining recently opened wireline Internet access proceeding, she said FCC’s proposed definition of Internet access as information service could mean that “most provisions of Title 2 [of Telecom Act] would not apply to Internet access.” She said there also was universal service angle to that proceeding because USF contributions were assessed only on telecom services. Under assumption that DSL was telecom service, USF contributions now are assessed on DSL provision. Proposed new definition for wireline Internet access services as information service could be interpreted as excluding DSL from universal service base because it’s no longer telecom service, she said. And that could have “significant impact” on money available for universal service support for high-cost carriers, she said. Asked about time frame for broadband proceedings, she said desire was by end of year but that would be “rocket speed.” She said she thought some parts would be completed, perhaps with further notice of proposed rulemaking on remaining issues.