Charter's RDOF NY Census Block Petition Gets Opposition, Limited Support

Those seeking more broadband deployment in New York state objected to a Charter Communications petition that the FCC Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction exclude census blocks where the cable operator is obligated to upgrade and expand broadband as part of its 2016 Time Warner acquisition (see 2004140015), in comments posted through Wednesday in FCC docket 19-126. "Charter’s failure to participate in the RDOF proceeding means that it cannot comply with the standards for reconsideration, and it should not be permitted to use the waiver process to circumvent Commission procedures," the Wireless ISP Association said. Granting the petition would "undermine the certainty needed to inspire robust auction participation," said ISP Starry Inc. NCTA defended Charter's petition, saying the waiver is needed to satisfy RDOF's policy of "targeting support to areas that would not otherwise be served." The New York State Public Service Commission wants the FCC to "ensure that New York State is not harmed and declare that if Charter’s petition, or other similar requests, is granted for Phase I, New York will remain eligible for future phases of RDOF auctions."