CPUC Punts Low-Income Item, Proposes Starlink ETC Denial
The California Public Utilities Commission again delayed voting on a controversial draft decision on low-income subsidies. Verizon and subsidiary Tracfone said last week the proposal in docket R.20-02-008 would undermine an “all of government” effort to make connectivity affordable (see…
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2209090047). CPUC members planned to vote at Thursday’s meeting but Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma, seeking “further review,” held it until the Oct. 6 meeting, according to a final hold list released Wednesday. Shiroma held the same item for the same reason last month (see 2208230008). Also, the state commission withdrew an item from Thursday’s agenda to approve Starlink’s application for a certificate of public convenience (CPCN) and eligible telecom carrier (ETC) designation (docket A.21-03-009). Administrative Law Judge Seaneen Wilson issued a new draft Tuesday that would grant the CPCN but deny the ETC, which the company needs for Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) support. The CPUC could vote Oct. 20 on the fresh plan. The FCC rejected Starlink’s long-form application for RDOF support, and the company seeks FCC reconsideration, noted the CPUC draft. “Since it is unclear the length of time needed for rehearing, we deny the request for ETC designation at this time and encourage Starlink to reapply upon final approval from the FCC.” Wednesday in docket R.22-03-016, ALJ Thomas Glegola extended comments by one week on a report on network outages and the information the FCC requires in its automated reporting management information system. Comments are now due Oct. 10, replies Oct. 24, Glegola said in a ruling circulated to the docket’s email service list. AT&T and Frontier Communications sought a 30-day extension (see 2209080035).