Questions loom whether FCC will address USF vote before new administration takes over

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin's plan to reform the universal service fund and intercarrier compensation regimes could be in jeopardy. After punting the item last week, his fellow Commissioners say they could be ready to vote in December. But the clock is running out on Martin's chairmanship. "Many observers on Capitol Hill and in the industry note that after Tuesday's U.S. presidential election, reaching a consensus may be more difficult as industry stakeholders will be under less pressure to compromise and cut a deal," said Jessica Zufolo, an analyst at Medley Global Advisors.