FCC Shouldn't Grant Forbearance to ETC Carriers, NASUCA Says

The FCC shouldn't use forbearance to "hollow out" the eligible telecom carrier obligations of price-cap carriers in areas where there is at least one other Lifeline provider, replied the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates in docket No. 14-192. Price-cap carriers should promote universal service through the offering of both ubiquitously available voice service and service made more affordable for eligible customers, NASUCA said. It said the FCC also should deny requests for forbearance that would allow ILECs to provide voice service only where they choose.