Inside The Beltway…
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| February 8, 2013
NPRM Addresses Poor Rural Long-Distance Service
Prompted in part by a letter late last year from a group led by Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), the FCC released a NPRM (WC Docket No. 13-39) seeking comment on new rules that could help solve long-distance call-completion rates in rural areas. Noting wireless and cable providers along with LECs and VoIP operators might not be monitoring their “intermediate wholesale delivery providers” closely enough regarding rural call completion, the commission proposes stronger reporting and data-retention requirements. The FCC also wants input as to how to minimize compliance strictures for originating providers whose call-routing practices are not under the gun. Comment dates are pending.