The House Commerce Committee released an updated draft of its tel...
The House Commerce Committee released an updated draft of its telecom bill Thurs. that considers broadband video services (BVS) as intrastate services subject to federal jurisdiction. Providers must register with the FCC, provide PEG channels, pay a franchise fee…
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to local govts. up to 5% of gross revenue, and are subject to Title VI provisions such as must carry, ownership restrictions, obscenity safeguards, emergency alerts, equal employment opportunity and closed captioning. Redlining is prohibited and program access is similar to DBS, according to the bill. The legislation would prohibit the FCC or states from regulating broadband Internet transmission services (BITs) except in cases FCC jurisdiction is exclusive. BITs providers aren’t allowed to block access to content, and telecom carrier access to network elements, resale, collocation to provide telecom services and special access aren’t affected by the bill. VoIP is considered an interstate service subject to FCC jurisdiction. Providers must register with the FCC, and must exchange traffic with telecom carriers and other VoIP providers with dispute resolution to be handled by the FCC. Each VoIP provider must ensure that 911 and E-911 are provided to subscribers, and it’s up to the FCC to decide whether to impose universal service contribution obligations on VoIP providers. The bill sets national consumer standards for BITs, VoIP and BVS including: Do not call, automatic dialing, access by the disabled, customer privacy, telephone harassment, unsolicited faxes and spam. States may enforce the consumer standards. SBC praised the bill, saying it would bring more competition to the marketplace. “This is a strong, positive step for consumers and the country,” said Tim McKone, SBC senior vp-federal relations. “It will help spur more investment in advance technology and foster real competitive choice for broadband, TV and entertainment services.” USTelecom said the bill’s “reliance on market-based competition” would spur new broadband investment, job growth and increased video choice for consumers. The group hopes the committee will address other “critical” issues including universal service, offering regulatory flexibility for rural carriers in providing broadband service, and “freeing traditional voice service to fully compete.” Verizon said it was still reviewing the draft, but “it appears that it would significantly advance consumers’ interest by promoting competition and speeding” broadband deployment.