OTI Opposes NTCA Petition to Waive Lifeline Fixed Wireline Minimum Standards
The Open Technology Institute asked the FCC to reject an NTCA petition for waiver of increased Lifeline fixed wireline minimum broadband performance standards set to take effect Dec. 1 (see 1907300076). Posted Monday in docket 10-90, OTI said NTCA failed…
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to answer critical questions about its ability to meet the new service standards raised when the trade group petitioned for similar standards waivers in recent years. OTI, however, credited NTCA for raising an "important new issue regarding the voice phase-down" in USF support for Lifeline. "The potential reduction in subsidy could affect affordability of fixed wireline plans," OTI agreed. It asked the FCC to "delay the phase-down or abandon it altogether." In reply comments due Friday in docket 11-42, NTCA said it received universal support for its petition in the initial round.