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The UTC and Broadband — Telecommunication Section, Regulatory Services Division (September 18, 2024)

Summary

Presentation titled The UTC and Broadband, dated September 18, 2024, from the Telecommunication Section – Regulatory Services Division. The slides say the UTC regulates the rates and services of telecommunications companies in Washington and does not have jurisdiction over wireless phones, satellite, or broadband, which are largely regulated at the federal level. They say the commission has been charged with administration of the State Universal Service Fund and the designation (and annual recertification) of eligible telecommunications carriers. They also say staff has reviewed and validated that all companies have met their federal buildout obligations as of December 31, 2023.

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“The UTC and Broadband — Telecommunication Section, Regulatory Services Division (September 18, 2024).” Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2024-09-18-a32203-d273921-utc-the-utc-and-broadband-923b963a8c/, SHA-256 2608137bf4d8619d041642e16c0f2c76df8585668eb3a997c735e883fe69a631.

Full text

          The UTC and Broadband
               September 18, 2024


Telecommunication Section – Regulatory Services Division
High Level Summary

• The UTC regulates the rates and services of telecommunications companies
  in Washington. It does not have jurisdiction over wireless phones, satellite, or
  broadband, which are largely regulated at the federal level.
• While the commission does not regulate the rates and services of
  broadband providers, it has been charged with administration of the State
  Universal Service Fund and the designation (and annual recertification) of
  eligible telecommunications carriers.
• Infrastructure deployment, maintenance and affordability are key
  considerations in advancing universal service.
• Good data and spatial analysis is key to closing the digital divide.
• Ongoing cross agency collaboration on pole attachments, the development
  of a digital equity plan, the deduplication process and the 5-year action
  plan.

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State Universal Service Fund

• In 2019, the legislature passed and the governor signed 2SSB 5511 which added a program
   eligibility requirement that a company adopt a plan to provide, enhance, or maintain broadband
   services in its service area, revised the purpose of the SUSF Program, and lastly, extended it
   through June 30, 2024. (RCW 80.36.610 - 700)
• On May 27, 2020, the Commission adopted new rules to incorporate these revisions and to include
  four eligibility criterion to assess a company’s broadband plan. Broadband buildout obligations
  (when appropriate) were forward looking and based on estimated cost to serve and support
  amounts through June 30, 2024. (WAC 480-123-020, and 100 - 170)
• Seven Criterion Two companies satisfied their collective 1,590 broadband buildout obligation.
• Six Criterion Three companies satisfied their collective 1,366 broadband buildout obligation.
• Four Criterion Four companies offer 25/3 Mbps or faster to 100% of the locations within their
   study area.
• Ongoing confirmation that operating expenses and capital expenditures are greater than SUSF
   support and federal high-cost support.



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Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (FUSF)
• Requirement to receive federal high-cost support or Lifeline.
• Initial designation authorized under 47 U.S.C. Sect 214(e)(2) and
  recertification under the FCC’s rules (47 C.F.R§ 54.314). (WAC 480-123-
  020 - 080)
• Federal high-cost support consists of the Connect America Fund, including:
  Broadband Loop Support, Alternative Connect America Fund (and
  subsequent iterations), Phase II Reverse Auction and the Rural Digital
  Opportunity Fund. Each fund has specific buildout and performance
  requirements.
• Staff has reviewed and validated that all companies have met their federal
  buildout obligations as of December 31, 2023, and appears to comply with
  the FCC speed and latency requirements. The FCC will likely issue a public
  notice later this year.

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