FCC Said Eying RLEC USF, Quadrennial Review, Robocall, Market Report Items for Dec. 12
FCC drafts on rural telco USF, robocalling, an eagerly awaited quadrennial review of media ownership rules and a communications market report appear among the items under consideration for commissioners' Dec. 12 meeting, we were told Monday. Some of those items were expected, including the QR (see 1811080063). Chairman Ajit Pai said in August he planned to circulate a draft order to ensure rate-of-return high-cost USF support is adequate and efficient (see 1807310034). FCC officials and others said a draft order is likely or could be on the tentative agenda Pai is expected to announce Tuesday.
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"It appears to be a comprehensive order," said an industry official. An FCC spokesperson didn't comment.
The meeting likely will include an NPRM launching the 2018 media ownership review, industry and FCC officials said. One agency official said it's very broad, which some industry officials predicted. The item is expected to seek comment on possible action to relax AM/FM subcaps, media competition, and to clarify the position on top-four TV duopolies. Since every previous QR has been successfully challenged in court, the item is expected to involve controversy and pushback from anti-consolidation groups. Members may also vote on a less-controversial media modernization order that would relax rules requiring broadcasters to physically post their license in their stations, some said.
There was speculation the tentative agenda could include a broad draft order on Telephone Consumer Protection Act restrictions on robocalling, including on the definition of autodialing systems. But most said a targeted draft on creating a reassigned number database to reduce unwanted robocalling appeared more likely.
There could also be a communications market report mandated by Ray Baum's Act. An August notice of inquiry said a Telecom Act Section 706 report on advanced telecom capability deployment would be included in the market report. (see 1808100040).
Drafts of all items tentatively slated for the commissioners' next meeting are to be released Wednesday.