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Manager's Memo - For the Week Ending
February 3, 2012
House Panel Reviews Pole Management Bill: The House Utilities Committee Tuesday reviewed the provisions of a bill that would regulate the cost and conditions of use of telecom and electric co-op utility poles. The measure, HB 1361 (PDF) would also clarify existing law regarding utility easements. Lawsuits have been brought by landowners challenging the placement of fiber optics in electric co-op easements.
The bill was supported by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, MTIA member company CenturyLink, and the Missouri Cable Telecommunications Association. An attorney representing landowners with pending easement suits testified in opposition. The committee did not vote on the bill but is anticipated to take the issue up again next week.
"Kelsey's Law" Considered in House: The House Utilities Committee also took testimony on a bill requiring wireless carriers to perform "ping" locates in emergency situations at the request of law enforcement officials. The bill, HB 1108 ( PDF ) is modeled on a Kansas law passed after the kidnapping and murder of Kelsey Smith in 2007.
Several other states have passed similar legislation and the bill has been introduced this year in Illinois and Massachusetts. The measure has passed the Missouri House the last four years but has not been approved in the Senate. MTIA member company Verizon Communications testified in support of the bill at Tuesday's hearing.
Commission Lowers USF Assessment: The Missouri Public Service Commission Wednesday approved an order decreasing the Missouri USF assessment from .0029 to .0025 effective April 1, 2012. The order follows the recommendation of the Missouri Universal Service Board to lower the assessment that funds the state's Lifeline/Link Up low income support program established in 2002. Commission staff reported that Lifeline customers have fallen by 18% in the last year despite efforts to promote the program. The number of Missouri customers taking advantage of the federal wireless Lifeline program has jumped in the same period.
Stoll Stalled in PSC Confirmation: The appointment of PSC Commissioner Steve Stoll was withdrawn this week by Governor Nixon following Senate action blocking his confirmation. Final approval of his appointment was turned back Thursday on the Senate floor by senators who would not confirm the nomination until Governor Nixon announces his choice for another open PSC seat. Had Governor Nixon not pulled back the nomination Thursday, Commissioner Stoll would have been barred from ever serving on the PSC under state law.
Alma Relocates Office: MTIA member company Alma Telephone Company recently completed a move of their corporate office. The company is now headquartered at 102 Third Street in Alma. The relocation was accomplished over the Christmas holidays and featured an open house for customers. Larry and Tommie Sue encourage their industry colleagues to drop in and tour the new facilities.
Industry Partner of the Week: MTIA member company Conklin-Intracom provides a full service content delivery network that enables advanced IPTV services for Missouri's telecommunications carriers. For more information, contact Richard Barnes, national account manager, at 314-259-1504, or visit them online at www.conklin-intracom.com.
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