The FCC indicated in an order released Fri. that even claims of d...

with requirements that 95% of its subscribers use location-capable handsets, with extra time added specifically tied to damage its network sustained in Hurricane Katrina. The Tier 3 carrier, in part citing Katrina damage, had asked for an 18 month extension. But the FCC took a tough line, raising concerns that the carrier hasn’t shown a clear path to compliance. The FCC warned that Cellular South shouldn’t assume it will get more time. “Although Cellular South has offered generalities concerning the impact of Hurricane Katrina on its operations, it has not disclosed what specific areas were affected and the extent of damage to its facilities, or presented an anticipated timetable for restoration of services and resumption of the marketing efforts necessary to achieve higher location-capable handset penetration levels,” the Commission said. “It also has failed to explain why it apparently cannot proceed with efforts to increase penetration levels in those areas of its service territory unaffected by Hurricane Katrina.” The FCC said that if the carrier wants more time, it must document “the particularized nature and extent of the impact of Hurricane Katrina” on its systems.