Pai Draft USF Funding Hike for Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands May Be Near Majority Support
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai could be close to gaining majority support for his proposals to provide additional USF support to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, in response to last year's hurricanes. Commissioner Brendan Carr said this week he voted for an order, and Commissioner Mike O'Rielly's office told us Thursday he's optimistic his concerns will be resolved and he will soon be able to vote on the item. Pai circulated a draft order and NPRM in March seeking to provide $256 million in additional USF support and repurpose another $698 million to help restore and upgrade storm-damaged communications networks, with $750 million for Puerto Rico and $204 million for the U.S. Virgin Islands (see 1803060039 and 1803160051).
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"Last week, I voted in favor of the FCC's Order that frees up hurricane relief funding for Puerto Rico & U.S.V.I. & seeks comment on additional steps," tweeted Carr Tuesday. "Getting this done will allow providers to rebuild networks and speed up efforts to harden broadband infrastructure."
O'Rielly's office believes progress is being made after he suggested he might oppose additional funding for Puerto Rico unless the island guarantees it will stop diverting 911 fee revenue to unrelated purposes (see 1804240069). "We’ve had good conversations and believe our concerns will be addressed," said an aide, noting the conversations had been with both Pai's office and the Puerto Rican government. "We anticipate voting very soon.” O'Rielly had some other concerns, beyond the 911 fee diversion, and is “looking to wrap those up,” the aide said. FCC and Puerto Rican government representatives didn't comment.
Other commissioners generally must vote on an item before it can be released, but once a majority has voted in favor, the FCC chairman can invoke internal procedures to impose deadlines. He can also call for a vote at a commissioners' meeting. The offices of Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and outgoing Commissioner Mignon Clyburn didn't comment on the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands draft. But Clyburn “is still voting and participating on items,” said an aide.