Most RLECs on FCC List Dispute 100% Competitive Overlap Triggering USF Phasedown
Most rural telcos on an FCC list disputed they faced blanket unsubsidized competition despite preliminary agency findings that, if verified, could subject them to a phasedown in high-cost USF support. Using 2016 Form 477 industry data, the FCC listed 13…
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rural telcos with study areas where unsubsidized rivals "potentially" offered qualified broadband and voice service to 100 percent of locations in relevant census blocks (see 1708110049). Blanchard Telephone, Beresford Municipal Telephone, Faith Municipal Telephone, Farmers Telephone, Home Telephone and Winn Telephone made filings posted Tuesday and Wednesday in docket 10-90 contesting they were subject to 100 percent competitive overlap. Bascom Mutual Telephone and Monon Telephone (plus Home) made rebuttal filings in September. Despite the invitation to comment, few competitors made filings, and those that did denied or qualified their competitive overlap. Golden West Telecommunications said it didn't compete with Faith, despite being listed as the only qualifying competitor, and Comcast (here) and CenturyLink (here) said they didn't offer service to all locations in relevant census blocks. In 2015, the FCC found only one rural telco, Pineville Telephone, was ineligible for continued USF support based on 100 percent competitive overlap, after citing 15 on its preliminary list (see 1512140052). Seven of the RLECs on the 2017 preliminary list -- including all five that apparently didn't make filings -- were also on the 2015 preliminary list.