On September 23, 2011, the FCC released its anticipated Preserving the Open Internet - Final Order (Net Neutrality, as some refer to it) requiring that all carriers, including ISP’s, publish their network management practices, performance characteristics and commercial terms in an easily accessible location on their company website and also made available at any point of sale. read more ...

To remind all of our clients (E-Rate Service providers) that the filing window opening dates for Fund Year 2012 E-Rate program are quickly approaching. read more ...

With a unanimous vote at its October 27 open meeting, the Federal Communications Commission adopted comprehensive reform of both federal USF programs and intercarrier compensation. The FCC has released an Executive Summary that may be accessed at: http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db1027/DOC-310692A1.pdf read more ...

We previously informed you of the FCC’s Data Request template in regards to its NPRM on USF and Intercarrier Compensation in our g-point 11-03 dated 3/24/11, and its intent to revise that template in g-point 11-04 dated 4/04/11. On 4/19/11, FCC Staff informed us that time and work constraints would not allow them sufficient time to revise their Data Request template that has been posted on the FCC Website and has been previously noticed to all rural carriers. read more ...

The FCC has issued an Order requiring facilities based providers of commercial mobile data services to offer data roaming on commercially reasonable terms and conditions subject to certain limitations described below. read more ...

Recently, the FCC declared to USAC that when an ETC advertises the availability of voice telephone service as mandated, it is successfully advertising the remaining supported services. read more ...

It is becoming apparent that the FCC is determined to get information at the individual company/study area level in order to complete the analysis they want and intend to do, including information regarding non-regulated operations. read more ...

Most of you have received letters this past week from NTCA, OPASTCO, WTA, or NECA (National Associations) providing an update on data efforts related to the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on USF and Intercarrier Compensation (ICC) and also informing you of two data requests that have been released nationally requesting individual company information. read more ...

After an extended period of anticipation, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on February 9, 2011. While the breadth of the proposed changes is significant and will be covered more extensively in other forums, the purpose of this g-point is to provide a high-level overview of the scope of the proposals. The FCC offered both immediate reforms and a long-term vision for USF, and immediate reforms and comprehensive reforms for ICC in the 280 page document. read more ...

FCC RELEASES OPEN INTERNET ORDER
The Federal Communications Commission released its Open Internet Order in WT Docket No. 10-201 on December 23, 2010. The Order was decided on a 3-2 party line vote, and sets the rules for managing network congestion and how to deal with the 20% of your customers that use 80% of your bandwidth.

VERIZON CONTESTS RULES IN COURT
Verizon filed suit with the DC Circuit Court of Appeals last week. Verizon asserts the FCC overstepped its authority in issuing the regulations. read more ...

In preparation for the next wave of BCAP USAC audits (possibly 4th quarter), we take this opportunity to review with you that USAC continues to put great emphasis on the accuracy of line count submissions. read more ...

There has been a great deal of attention in the press recently about Verizon Wireless' LTE in Rural America Program, through which Verizon hopes to extend its fourth generation (4G) wireless coverage to the entire lower 48 states and Hawaii. read more ...

Recently the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Notice of Inquiry (NOI) regarding proposed changes to the federal USF mechanisms that will be far reaching and impact each rural ILEC. read more ...

On May 26, 2010, GVNW notified you of the upcoming June 1, 2010, Red Flags Rule enforcement date. 
 
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on May 28, 2010, that the enforcement of the Red Flags Rule is once again postponed until December 31, 2010. read more ...

FTC Delay Statement read more ...

It’s been well over a year since the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) first established the Red Flag Rules, but after several extensions, the rules will now be enforced and in effect on June 1, 2010. read more ...

As you may recall, on May 13, 2009, the FCC released an Order which reduced the time interval for all carriers to complete Simple wireline and Simple intermodal ports from four business days to one business day. read more ...

Yesterday, the NTIA announced the opening of the comment period for Round 2 BTOP Comprehensive Community Infrastructure (CCI) projects for Last Mile and Middle Mile facilities. NTIA also announced that they have extended the response period to 25 days. The response period closes at 5 p.m. EDT on May 10th, 2010. read more ...

The application period for Round 2 of the RUS and NTIA Stimulus Broadband Funds has ended. LECs will have an opportunity to file comments with the RUS and NTIA to show that they are already providing broadband service and request that the RUS and NTIA consider that the applicant seeks to overbuild your existing broadband networks. In Round 1, GVNW filed comments on behalf of several clients and successfully prevented funding of competing networks. read more ...

LECs should consider revising their local, toll, and access tariffs to limit liability from hackers damaging end users' computers, software, and data. With the development of interconnected networks and computers comes the threat of hackers that can wreak havoc on end users' computers, software programs, and data. read more ...