FCC Ends Investigation into Mobile Free Data Programs

The FCC's  Wireless Telecommunications Bureau has ended its investigation into wireless carriers' free data offerings.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai issued the following statement: “Today, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau is closing its investigation into wireless carriers' free-data offerings. These free-data plans have proven to be popular among consumers, particularly low-income Americans, and have enhanced competition in the wireless marketplace. Going forward, the Federal Communications Commission will not focus on denying Americans free data. Instead, we will concentrate on expanding broadband deployment and encouraging innovative service offerings.”

http://www.fcc.gov

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Openreach Appoints Two Members to Board

Openreach, the wholly owned and independently governed division of the BT Group, appointed Sir Brendan Barber and Edward Astle as independent members of a newly formed Board to oversee strategy, investment and service delivery at the UK’s leading digital infrastructure company. The company said that establishing the new Board is central to governance reforms that Openreach has been implementing to become a more transparent and autonomous business.

Sir Brendan Barber is former General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress and current chair of Acas.

Edward Astle is a former Board member of National Grid.

Mike McTighe was appointed independent Chairman of Openreach in December 2016. A fourth independent non-executive is due to be announced imminently with a specific focus on customer service.

http://www.btplc.com/news/#/pressreleases/openreach-appoints-independent-board-members-1776414

Tuesday, November 29, 2016  BT, Ofcom, Openreach, Regulatory  No Comments

Ofcom, the official regulator for the telecom market in the UK, will seek the legal separation of Openreach from BT.  Openreach is the division of BT Group that develops and maintains the UK’s main telecoms network used by providers such as Sky, TalkTalk, Vodafone and BT’s retail business. Ofcom said the decision follows after BT failed to offer voluntary proposals that address competition concerns. Ofcom believes BT has the incentive and ability...

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