SpaceX Opposes Some ETC Requirements; Market Report Replies Debate Media Ownership

SpaceX urged the FCC to forbear from requiring an eligible telecom carrier designation for participants in high-cost USF support programs, in reply comments on market competition posted through Friday in docket 20-60. "Requiring broadband providers to secure regulatory authorizations for voice service only serves to frustrate new entrants and stifle competition." Limits on the number radio outlets one company can own in a market “remain necessary to promote diversity, localism, and competition,” said the Future of Music Coalition and musicFIRST Coalition in joint replies on the report. Local content is “a casualty” of consolidation, the music rights groups said. “Loosening current ownership restrictions could potentially provide economic benefit to only a subset of AM/FM broadcasters.” the groups said. NAB noted radio stations face much competition (see 2005280061).