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I filed a freedom of information request for the material redacted in a Sandwich Islands petition at the FCC to allow them to collect more than allowed in the recent USF proceeding. They have requested, and the FCC agreed, to hide from public  view basic information like how much money they are receiving and how much they will lose. These are blacked over in the filing. Sandwich Islands is particularly controversial since they collect $10's of thousand per subscriber (I believe) and have been exposed in the Hawaiian press as having deep political connections. I think it's ridiculous for the FCC to hide basic information in policy proceedings, such as how much money is involved. I wrote a note to Austin Schlick, FCC General Counsel. I expect this will be buried or ignored, although everyone knows the FCC  redacts far too much and it affects the policy discussion. Including AT&T/TMo.

Austin

     I'm writing to call attention to my FOIA request for the redacted material in the 12/30/2011 Sandwich Islands petition. I believe basic information about the policy issues involved should never be redacted, such as the amount of subsidy under consideration. This has long been a major issue at the FCC and you may recall I asked about AT&T/TMo information at the press briefing. I have no desire (or funds) to take this to court, but I think this is a natural case to raise the issue. From the context, I believe the material redacted includes the details of the subsidy and is therefore crucial to policy discussion.

     I recognize that what I'm asking is contrary to some prior FCC practice so expect that a positive response will require a policy review. I hope those involved choose to do so expeditiously. Lack of data leads to bad policy decisions.

Dave Burstein

Editor DSL Prime

 From my FOIA request
SANDWICH ISLES COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
PETITION FOR WAIVER OF 47 C.F.R. 54.302 ••••.•. filed 12/30/2011

redacted sections are on pages iii, iv, 2, 3,4, 22 and exhibits. In particular, the context suggests the redacted sections within the petition are an accounting of how much money Sandwich Islands currently collects and how much they would lose. I believe this should be public record.

I am a working reporter looking for information about an important FCC decision. I do not believe there should be a charge.

I would be happy to change this request to exclude any particular information that is properly confidential other than the basic financial information for public policy and description of the company's service.