Sprint Opposes NCTA Request That FCC Extend BDS Comment Deadlines

a Sprint filing Tuesday in docket 05-25. NCTA asked that the initial comment deadline of June 28 be extended at least 45 days and replies due July 26 be given at least a 30-day extension. Noting NCTA arguments about the challenges of analyzing the FCC's largest data collection in its history, Sprint said that dataset has been publicly available for more than six months. "All participants in these proceedings -- including NCTA -- have had ample opportunity to analyze the BDS data collection, and the Commission has allowed more than enough time for parties to address the issues," it said. Sprint disputed NCTA arguments the cable industry was blindsided by proposed BDS regulation: "The cable industry has been anything but an idle bystander in this proceeding." Cable operators have been active participants in a proceeding in which the FCC made clear its intent to address market power and commenters have asked for a regime that applies equally to all BDS providers, including cable, Sprint said. "It appears that NCTA’s real complaint is not that the cable industry lacks sufficient notice or time to comment on the Further Notice, but that the cable industry does not agree with the proposals in Further Notice," Sprint said. "This proceeding has already undergone eight separate extensions of pleading cycles, each one delaying the reform that will repair the marketplace. ... Rather than seeking additional delays, NCTA and its members should air their grievances in their comments."