An “unprecedented” detailed analysis of AT&T phone service...
An “unprecedented” detailed analysis of AT&T phone service in Illinois that the company shared with FCC Wireline Bureau officials Sept. 11 “supports AT&T’s assertion that there is no reason in law or policy for the FCC to continue its current…
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overly-broad ETC [eligible telecom carrier] regime or its mandatory Lifeline requirements” for ILECs, said an ex parte filing (http://bit.ly/1qYj5kB) posted in docket 10-90 Tuesday. Mary Henze, AT&T assistant vice president-federal regulatory, was among those representing the company. The data showed that about 80 percent of households in census blocks that do not qualify for Connect America Fund support get wireline services from other providers, the filing said. The figure “is a clear indication that customers have many attractive options for obtaining voice service,” AT&T said. As part of CAF Phase II implementation, ETC rules should be changed so they apply only to carriers that willingly accept CAF support and only for the geographic areas where such support is provided, said AT&T. Existing price-cap ILEC ETC designations in areas where no CAF support is received should automatically sunset, and Lifeline participation should be de-linked from the high-cost ETC designation and be made voluntary for ILECs, AT&T said.