Sandwich Isles Objects to Document Disclosure Until Concerns on Safeguards Are Resolved
Sandwich Isles Communications objected to disclosure of any information it filed with the FCC or Universal Service Administrative Co. on a USAC audit until SIC's pending request to revise a protective order is resolved (see 1703220043) and a "legally-compliant protective…
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order" is in place. SIC didn't object to the intent of the existing protective order or the inclusion of many documents in the record, but had concerns about the scope of the safeguards and the process for handling objections to the disclosure of particular documents, said a filing posted Friday in docket 10-90. The carrier said AT&T, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, National Exchange Carrier Association and Hawaiian Telcom made filings acknowledging the confidentiality protections under the order, but only the DHHL is a "legitimate interested party." SIC said it gave counsel for DHHL and AT&T unredacted copies of the May 13, 2016, USAC audit report and the firm's response subject to the terms of the protective order despite its "fatal problems." The FCC in December hit SIC with $77 million in repayment duties and proposed fines for violations and apparently violation of the USF high-cost program (see 1612060032). In February, the agency sought comment on why it shouldn't move to revoke the carrier's authorizations (see 1702140063).