Western Telecommunications Alliance

Today, the FCC released updated rules for the transition to digital television due to the transition being delayed until June 12, 2009.  These new rules effect the consumer education effort required of Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs) and Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs).  WTA has prepared a summary of the updated rules that pertain to WTA members.  The full text of the rules can be found here.

On March 10, 2009, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the FCC will hold its first of several public meetings in connection with the broadband initiatives in the economic stimulus law.  The meeting will begin at 10 am and end at 11:30 am Eastern.  The meeting will be streamed on the Internet and archived on both the NTIA and RUS websites, www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants and www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Federal Register a Notice that it will begin meeting with interested parties about implementing the proposed broadband grant program signed into law as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The meetings will begin on March 2, 2009.  Representatives of WTA will be meeting with NTIA to assist them in creating rules that will ensure the new grant money is used effectively. Click here for further information, ntia-notice-of-comments.

Broadband form 477 is now posted on the FCC website and the new deadline for submission is March 16th, 2009. For further information click here, da-09-431a11.

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