(no subject)
Ken Sutton (kensut@crlc.org)
Tue, 23 Dec 1997 11:23:46 -0500
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 1997 11:23:46 -0500
Message-Id: <v03110704b0c5956dc353@[209.66.136.44]>
From: Ken Sutton <kensut@crlc.org>
To: Multiple recipients of list <conntech>
Title: Hill Chairmen Challenge FCC On New Universal Service Rates
Source: Communications Daily
Issue: Universal Service
Description: Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) and House
Telecommunications Subcommittee Chairman Billy Tauzin said that the Federal
Communications Commission may have violated the Administrative Procedure Act
(APA) by conducting negotiations with long distance carriers that resulted
to changes in universal support for schools and libraries. In a letter to
FCC Chairman Kennard dated 12/19/97, the Chairmen asked for lists of
contacts between FCC and private parties on development of Commission's
universal service order generally and on decisions on whether universal
service-related charges should be listed on long distance bills. The fact
that discussions took place "raise[s] a number of troubling substantive and
procedural issues" as to how order was developed: "The fact that the
Commission and the Administration have apparently engaged in substantive,
nonpublic dealings with selected carriers on long distance rates raises
unavoidable questions about whether the Commission's Dec. 16 actions comply
with the minimum requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act." The
Chairmen said "lack of public notice and participation calls into added
question the reasonableness and other aspects" of FCC order. The letter also
1) asked FCC to identify its authority to regulate carrier billing practices
and relationship between access charge reductions and universal service
support ("Is the
Commission using reductions in interstate access charges as a means to fund
universal service support?");
2) under what authority FCC can require long distance carriers to flow
through access charge reductions;
3) asked about administrative expenses for universal service programs; 4)
requested information on relationship between FCC's program and funds being
made
available to school systems through Technology Challenge Literacy Fund
(administered through Education Dept.); and
5) asked for list of all other federally funded programs that help schools
and libraries obtain access to telecom services. A reply was requested by
Jan. 12.
Kenneth Sutton
Office Manager & Technology Coordinator
Capitol Region Library Council
599 Matianuck Avenue
Windsor CT 06095
Voice: 860-298-5319 ext 3001
FAX: 860-298-5328