Alaska Commission Weighing Backup Power Waiver for GCI

GCI might get a decision by May 31 on whether an Alaska backup power requirement applies to customer-owned analog telephone adapters required after the carrier reconfigures its network, the Regulatory Commission of Alaska said in a Tuesday order (docket U-24-007). GCI seeks a declaratory ruling that an eight-hour backup power requirement doesn’t apply to the adapters or, alternatively, a waiver of that rule. The carrier sought expedited consideration, so it can complete its network reconfiguration by June 22. The petition “warrants a public comment period” and the commission “has questions” for GCI, the RCA said. It added it can’t “rule on the request for expedited consideration before these are completed” but “will attempt to complete a final review and decision by May 31,” noting Alaska rules require that the commission act by Aug. 31.