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Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.

Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.

Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.

Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.

Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.

Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.

Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.

Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.

Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.

Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.

Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.

Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.

Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.

Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.

Want to Subsidize an ILEC? By Dana Blankenhorn ISPworld News The most important rulings in the history of ILEC-CLEC warfare are about to be made, and so far the FCC hasn't heard from you on it. The rulings are FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in CC Docket No. 02-33 (NPRM 02-33), and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-45 (FNPRM 96-45). The first would extend charges under the Universal Service Fee (USF) to wireless ISPs, including Wi-Fi operators in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band. The second would change the way the USF is calculated, switching from a charge based on users to one based on bandwidth. The result would be a tax on broadband users, all broadband users, and this money would go directly to your ILEC competitors. That's because the rules under which the USF is disbursed mandate that they go to incumbent carriers if those carriers can, and agree to provide service. The carriers also get money directly for managing the fund - some are accused of putting 10% of the money directly into their own bank accounts, and keeping it there. Wi-Fi visionary Dave Hughes says he's amazed that no WISPs "filed ANYTHING on the FCC Web site against the FCC's 'proposed' forcing all telecommunications 'last mile' deliverers - DSL, Cable AND Wireless, whether no-license or licensed TO PAY INTO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND!" It's not just the money. "You want to now be subject to Federal forms, collections, and Audits in your little WISP operation?" This can be a huge amount of paperwork, maybe 2-3 days of an employee's time per month, and could easily turn your simple ISP service bills into a bunch of "junk fees" just like phone bills. Hughes has been around this track before. The best-known USF service is the "e-rate" subsidy, aimed at putting Internet access into schools. "Had the schools been able to use e-rate USF funds to BUY wireless equipment that could connect up their various cross-town schools together, then you wireless resellers could have supplied - on a one time purchase and installation basis - about 90% of ALL 16,000 school districts with internal zero-monthly-cost broadband connectivity." ILEC greed now means there are $4.75 billion in requests for e-rate funds, but only $2.25 billion available. All this means that right now you need to click on this link -- http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi. Type 02-33 under Proceedings, in the upper-left corner, to read the comments that have come in so far. You can also download the proceeding's text, so you'll know what you're talking about. (Take special note of Section IV (starts on page 36, or Paragraph 79 about "Other Broadband Platforms"). Next, click on http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi, fill in the form, then either type or upload your comments. Make them civil, make them to the point, and concentrate on how much further that money would go if it weren't under ILEC mismanagement. (The same procedure will let you comment on 96-45.) Do it now. You have until May 3 but if you leave this page you might forget. Do it now, and urge your largest customers to do it as well.