ETC Applications for Wireless Resellers in Texas Now Handled by FCC

Texas has finalized the process of ceding jurisdiction over Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (“ETC”) designations for wireless resellers to the FCC. The amendment, adopted at the Texas Public Utility Commission’s (“PUCT”) November 16, 2012 meeting, and set forth in an order issued November 21, 2012 in Docket No. 40561, changed § 26.418 of the PUCT’s rules. Under the amended § 26.418(b), if a company seeking ETC designation provides service by reselling the wireless services of other carriers, then the applicant must file its ETC application with the FCC, rather than the PUCT. The PUCT will continue to process applications filed prior to the effective date of the rule change, and maintains jurisdiction over all existing ETCs.