Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler has released a Fact Sheet regarding his proposed Mobility Fund Phase II (MFII) Order and Data Roaming Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, as well as a tentative agenda for the November 17 Open Meeting that contains both items. While the Fact Sheet provides limited specific information, it is clear that the Chairman is proposing a larger MFII budget than was proposed by the Wireless Bureau – $470 million vs. $404 million. In addition, the Chairman’s proposal includes a 4.5 year support transition time. This is longer than the initially proposed 12 months, but the Fact Sheet lacks specificity as to funding phase-down amounts and dates. Further, the Fact Sheet indicates that bidding and performance will be assessed by road miles, rather than population or geographic area, covered.
