Senate Communications Subcommittee Chmn. Burns (R-Mont.) said the...
Senate Communications Subcommittee Chmn. Burns (R-Mont.) said the FCC should act more quickly in addressing universal service fund (USF) issues. “We have a situation that requires a deadline,” Burns said. “It’s time they move.” Burns is floating a staff…
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draft of a bill that would open intrastate telecom traffic to USF requirements and would place a deadline on the FCC to finish a proceeding on contribution methods to the USF. The bill comes as the Senate Commerce Committee prepares to conduct its 2nd hearing of the session on USF today (Thurs.). The hearing will be in the Russell Bldg. Rm. 253 at 10 a.m and feature FCC Chmn. Powell as a witness. Neb. PUC Comr. Anne Boyle said she understands Powell will testify in favor of opening intrastate telephone lines for USF revenue. Boyle said she and FCC Comr. Martin are opposed to allowing intrastate revenue collection for USF. Boyle said the Burns bill was an “incomplete” attempt to fix USF because it only addresses contributions and not how the USF fund is distributed. She said it was an attempt to bolster the fund through intrastate fees and that “all governors should be alarmed.” Boyle also said legislation should create a system for telecom carriers receiving USF to be audited. Boyle said NARUC hasn’t taken a position on intrastate USF funding. Boyle is a member of the NARUC Telecom & Consumer Affairs committee, as well as a board member.