FCC Reduces USF Factor: The FCC announced that the USF contribution factor will decrease from 11.3 percent to 11.0 percent.
TV Whitespaces Debate Heating Up Again: The National Association of Broadcasters has intensified its campaign opposing opening TV white space spectrum to unlicensed use. The revived campaign comes on the heels of the less than stellar test results on white space devices reported by the FCC last month. Wireless microphone users are also increasing their profile in the lobbying battle. During a brief session with reporters in the commission meeting room, Chairman Martin noted that he hoped to place a white spaces item on the FCC's next agenda and indicated that the FCC would continue to test new devices.
Qwest Files New Forbearance Petition: Facing potential defeat of its forbearance petition, Qwest withdrew its petition. Qwest was unhappy with the limited relief that commissioners proposed in a compromise. Qwest then filed another petition in the hope that more lobbying will result in the commission granting greater relief. Meanwhile, an omnibus "me too" forbearance order is being circulated to address the various pending ILEC broadband forbearance requests. Qwest's petition could be lumped into that decision. FCC Chairman Kevin
Martin is circulating virtually the same broadband forbearance order that he dropped when he couldn't get three commissioner votes at last week's meeting. This new order appears to be scheduled to coincide with AT&T's pending petition that is due for an order by October 11.
FCC Approves Smaller Antennas in 11 GHz Band: The FCC granted a petition filed by FiberTower requesting authorization to use smaller antennas in the 11 GHz band. The band is primarily used for backhaul services. Users of this spectrum share with satellite operators and must coordinate to mitigate interference.
WCA Asks that 77 BRS Licenses Be Re-Auctioned: Back in 1996 in Auction No. 6, the FCC auctioned licenses covering 493 basic trading areas in the 2.5 GHz range. 77 of those licenses were returned to the FCC when those winning bidders failed to pay. WCA argues that the FCC should immediately re-auction those licenses. Many of these licenses are in rural and underserved areas.
Verizon Wireless to Sue Over 700 MHz Auction Rules: Making good on a veiled threat to disrupt the 700 MHz auction, Verizon Wireless has filed an appeal of the FCC's order.
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