PK Hopeful FCC Will Address Consumer Concerns on Tech Transition, But Still Unsure

broadband access -- but it's unclear what the commission will do in the final order, said Dallas Harris, a PK technology counsel, on a news-media call Tuesday. Senior Vice President Harold Feld said FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler might be reluctant to make changes if they would thwart a 5-0 vote, though he didn't know if that would be the case. PK supports the telecom industry's efforts to upgrade infrastructure, but Harris said the FCC should ensure it's an upgrade for all consumers and not a downgrade for some. PK proposed a "checklist" to ensure replacement services are at least as good as legacy services, she said, and the FCC appears likely to adopt several of the group's recommendations. A 2015 NPRM suggested eight general criteria for judging telecom service discontinuance standards: (1) network capacity and reliability; (2) service quality; (3) device and service interoperability; (4) service for individuals with disabilities; (5) Public service answering point and 911 service; (6) cybersecurity; (7) service functionality; and (8) coverage. Harris said she isn't aware of any major FCC departures from that list, but ILECs last fall objected to several of the items (see 1510270058). More recently, AT&T proposed a certification path to streamlined review (see 1606010046), and Verizon said cybersecurity certification shouldn't be required for such treatment (see 1606300058). Harris said the FCC's possible 15-day comment period for fast-track reviews is insufficient. While PK welcomed an apparent commission desire to require carriers to conduct consumer outreach and education, the group is concerned it not occur only in English, she said. Harris also said ensuring affordability and broadband access should be FCC priorities. Also on Public Knowledge's call, a commission order on 5G was discussed (see 1607120074).