Don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place. This is still the AT&T Public Policy Blog, a home for our thoughts on government policies and how they impact and shape the communications industry. We just decided we needed a new look. It’s been a little over seven years since we launched our blog. And…
Read More New Coat of PaintJoan Marsh Posts
Delivering on the Broadband Promise to All Americans
If last week’s House Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing on broadband infrastructure is any measure, there appears to be growing consensus that any new infrastructure bill should include dollars for broadband – arguably the most essential infrastructure for American progress and productivity. As Chairman Blackburn observed, “we are all tired of hearing stories about parents…
Read More Delivering on the Broadband Promise to All AmericansWalking in L.A.
When I was a student at UCLA, my car (that was uninsured for theft) was stolen. I suddenly found myself without basic transportation in Los Angeles. The logistics of getting to school and work became quite challenging, forget about attempting a doctor’s appointment or a social event. I became a slave to bus schedules and…
Read More Walking in L.A.FCC Reform: Let’s Start With the Enforcement Bureau
FCC reform is a topic of much discussion these days. Indeed, Chairman Pai has already initiated some important process reforms and we anticipate that more are coming. Clearer and more transparent processes will lead to better regulatory results. We have also been contemplating reform and will, from time to time, be posting our ideas for regulatory…
Read More FCC Reform: Let’s Start With the Enforcement BureauLeaning Toward the IP Future
Three years ago, AT&T commenced two technology transition trials with the goal of identifying and resolving operational, technical, and public policy issues associated with migrating legacy TDM services to an IP future. Now, three years later, AT&T has achieved many of the goals it established for the trials: the trials accelerated and increased the dialogue…
Read More Leaning Toward the IP FutureMaking Access to Broadband A Reality for Low-Income Americans
AT&T has long supported universal access to broadband for all Americans. And through our Access from AT&T low cost broadband program, we are making broadband a reality for low-income consumers for $10 a month or less. We believe that, at this time, Access from AT&T is a better way for AT&T to address broadband adoption than…
Read More Making Access to Broadband A Reality for Low-Income AmericansBDS Reform: Winners and Losers
Yesterday, Chairman Walden cautioned the FCC that instituting new regulations at this time is unnecessary, unwanted and unfair. Yet next week, the FCC plans to vote on the sweeping nationwide re-regulation of TDM-based transport and access services. The FCC’s proposal, as outlined in the Business Data Services (BDS) Fact Sheet released some weeks ago, picks…
Read More BDS Reform: Winners and LosersMaking Mobility Fund II Work
As part of the Connect America Fund (CAF), the FCC created the Mobility Fund – a universal service support mechanism dedicated exclusively to mobile services – and in 2012 held the first Mobility Fund (MFI) auction. Since that time, the FCC has gained substantial experience with other CAF programs, including CAF I and II. So,…
Read More Making Mobility Fund II WorkA Personal Note
This week, I am privileged to take over leadership of AT&T’s Federal Regulatory team in AT&T’s DC office. I take the reins from my mentor, boss and friend, Bob Quinn, as he rises to succeed Jim Cicconi, who leaves us for the next chapter of his life and a richly-deserved retirement. This opportunity comes to…
Read More A Personal NoteBroadband Investment: Not for the Faint of Heart
July 2007: In exchange for FCC action on its demand for four specific “open access” conditions on the 700 MHz Upper C Block, Google commits to bidding $4.6B in the 700 MHz auction. January 2008: When the auction closes, it becomes clear that wireless companies – not Google – shouldered the multi-billion dollar cost of…
Read More Broadband Investment: Not for the Faint of Heart