The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) has denied four more petitions requesting waiver of the FCC’s rural broadband experiment requirements. Specifically, the Bureau has denied petitions filed by Computer 5, Inc. d/b/a LocalTel Communications; Donnell, Michael D. d/b/a San Joaquin Broadband; Tejas Wireless LLC; and Texhoma Fiber, LLC for a waiver of the requirements established by the FCC to remain under consideration as a “next-in-line” bidder for rural broadband experiment support. In its explanation of its decision, the Bureau cited its duty to act as stewards of public funding, the FCC’s direction not to delay the offer of Connect America Fund Phase II support, and its prior denial of similar waiver requests. In a related action, the Bureau has removed two other entities – Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico and BVU Authority – from further consideration for rural broadband experiments support for failing to file the requisite technical information by the required deadline.
