RLECs Challenge Competitor Data in CAF Cost Model; Some Cable Data Updated
Scores of rural telcos challenged FCC data that indicated competitors provide qualified broadband/voice service in certain census blocks, while some cable companies updated data on their rival offerings. Certain levels of unsubsidized competitive service in an area render the RLECs…
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ineligible for high-cost support under the commission's new optional model-based rate-of-return USF mechanism (see 1603300065). In a filing in docket 10-90, TDS Telecommunications, a large rural telco, challenged Clearnetworx's Form 477 submission that indicates it serves 62 census blocks in the territory of TDS subsidiary Delta County Tele-Comm. "Clearnetworx's own coverage map and statements from its customer service representative ... reveals that they do not offer voice or broadband service in those census blocks. Given there are no other unsubsidized competitors offering the required service, these census blocks should be treated as unserved by an unsubsidized competitor" and thus eligible for model-based Connect America Fund support, TDS said. Some of the other RLECs submitted statements from competitors confirming they didn't provide qualified service in census blocks listed as served under the cost model. But updating its data, Time Warner Cable said it was providing qualified broadband service for the first time in about 9,564 census blocks. "Because these census blocks are 'served' by TWC, rate of return carriers should not be eligible to receive model-based support in those blocks," it said. Cox Communications said it identified an additional 1,048 census blocks with competitive coverage. Co-Mo Comm submitted a list of 847 census blocks where it was deploying fiber-based broadband service. The competitor said it "has reason to believe that some or all" of the census blocks are in rate-of-return study areas in the latest cost model, and should be removed from CAF eligibility. Thursday was the filing deadline for filing challenges or updates.