NEW YORK—The confirmation of Robert McDowell to the Federal Communications Commission in May, which creates the first Republican majority in the commission since early 2005, could impact several key policies on controversial telecom issues including the Universal Service Fund, according to Fitch Ratings’ Biannual Telecommunications Regulatory Register.
Issues that might have split the commission down party lines now have the potential to move forward, said Fitch.
As for USF, the firm said a reformed USF plan will likely be neutral to most wireline carriers but that wireless carriers could see a reduction in support, particularly if cost studies reflect actual costs rather than the incumbent wireline cost average.
Another issue likely to be impacted is deployment of video services. Efforts by Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc. to offer video services has spurred some states to consider revamping old video franchise laws, said Fitch.
