Please provide comments to the issue below as part of the 2012 WCB cost model virtual workshop for inclusion in the record. Comments are moderated for conformity to the workshop’s guidelines.
Background
The USF/ICC Transformation Order requires price cap carriers that accept the state-level commitment for universal service support under Connect America Phase II to offer broadband at speeds of 4 Mbps/1 Mbps to all supported locations and at least speeds of 6 Mbps/1.5 Mbps to a number of supported locations by the end of the fifth year. The Commission directed the Wireline Competition Bureau to design the forward-looking cost model so that it ensures that the “most locations possible” receive broadband at speed of 6 Mbps/1.5 Mbps or greater at the end of the five year term.
Questions for Comment
- The ABC Coalition has argued that carriers that receive Connect America Phase II support will generally choose to build or maintain fiber-to-the-DSLAM networks rather than build new fiber-to-the-premises networks. How specifically should the Bureau determine what fraction of locations would reasonably be required to receive speeds of at least 6 Mbps/1.5 Mbps? Would it be appropriate to calculate the number of locations likely to receive speeds of 6 Mbps/1.5 Mbps when the network is engineered to deliver at least 4 Mbps/1 Mbps to the most distant supported locations? What assumptions should be made regarding the gauge of the copper and the maximum copper loop length?
Sources
- Connect America Fund et al., WC Docket No. 10-90 et al., Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 26 FCC Rcd 17663, 17726, 17735, paras. 160-62, 187 (2011) pets. for review pending sub nom. In re: FCC 11-161, No. 11-9900 (10th Cir. filed Dec. 8, 2011) (USF/ICC Transformation Order).
- Letter from Robert Mayer, Vice President, Industry and State Affairs, United States Telecom Association, to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, FCC, WC Docket Nos. 10-90, 05-337 at 1 (filed Oct. 23, 2012) (ABC Coalition Ex Parte Letter).