Regulatory Commissioners Prepare To Talk Broadband

The economic stimulus package, whose broadband funding just got cut as part of the general Republican-driven paring back of spending, will be one of the top items on the agenda of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) when they meet in Washington next week. Also on the program are FCC reforms and universal service. NARUC represents state public service commissioners who regulate essential utility services including telecommunications. Among those scheduled to weigh in on the economic stimulus package are Blair Levin, managing partner with Stifel Nicolaus and a member of the Obama transition team who was on a short list of possible FCC chair candidates. Also discussing broadband's role in stimulating the economy will be Tom Tauke, VP, public affairs, policy and communications for Verizon.