DC Circuit Denies NaLA Writ of Mandamus on MSS

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit denied the National Lifeline Association's petition for a writ of mandamus (in Pacer) for FCC Lifeline minimum service standards in case 20-1460 (see 2101130061). The court cited "insufficient evidence of irreparable harm" Monday. The decision was disappointing, NaLA said, but it's "optimistic that the FCC, under new leadership and with a renewed focus on ensuring affordable access to broadband services for Lifeline-eligible subscribers, will finally address the problems created by an [MSS] rule and formula that fails to consider affordability," emailed John Heitmann of Kelley Drye.