Telco, Cable Groups Oppose Request To Shift More Backup Power Duties to Providers
Telco and cable interests opposed a consumer group petition for reconsideration that asked the FCC to put more of the onus and cost for implementing new backup power solutions on fixed-service providers and less on consumers (see 1511170042). Rules in…
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an August tech transition order (see 1508060044) "promote access to 911 service by customers of non-line-powered, fixed voice service providers during commercial power outages in a manner that appropriately reflects consumer expectations regarding access to emergency communications," said the American Cable Association, NCTA and USTelecom in a filing Thursday in docket 14-174. "The Commission’s actions were based upon extensive comments from all interests, including Petitioners, and substantial evidence about the diminishing reliance that consumers have elected to place on line-powered voice service. The Petition counters none of these facts and thus offers no basis for the Commission to make any change to those rules, and therefore it should be rejected." In its opposition posted Friday, CenturyLink said the petition filed by the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA) and other groups "is procedurally infirm and otherwise without merit." The ITTA, NTCA and Fiber to the Home Council Americas filed oppositions last week (here, here and here). The NASUCA petition did pick up backing from the International Association of Fire Chiefs earlier last week, which said the order abandoned core public safety and consumer protection principles. "In enabling new technologies for 911, the standard of performance should be reliability that is at least equivalent to the current universal access landline telephone network. The Rule and Order fail to meet this standard," the IAFC said in a letter to the FCC. "The IAFC supports the petitioners’ request and respectfully requests the FCC reconsider its Rule and Order as outlined by the petitioners and place responsibility upon the carriers for ensuring the continuity of 911 communications. The Rule and Order as written will negatively impact the ability of individuals to reach 911."