DA 18-720
Released:  July 12, 2018
DOMESTIC SECTION 214 APPLICATION GRANTED FOR THE 
TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF FIRSTLIGHT TO FLIGHT GROUP HOLDINGS LP 

WC Docket No. 18-83
By this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) grants the application filed by OHCP Northeastern Fiber Buyer Holdco, L.P. (OHCP) and Flight Group Holdings LP (Transferee) (collectively, Applicants), pursuant to section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and sections 63.03-04 of the Commission’s rules, requesting consent to transfer control of the telecommunications service providers operating under the FirstLight brand (Authority Holders) to Transferee.  The Bureau received no comments in opposition to the proposed transaction. See 47 U.S.C. § 214; 47 CFR §§ 63.03-04.  OHCP Northeastern Fiber Buyer Holdco, L.P. and Flight Group Holdings LP Consolidated Application for Consent to Transfer of Control of Domestic and International 214 Authority, WC Docket No. 18-83 (filed Mar. 19, 2018) (Application).  The Authority Holders provide telecommunications services in six states.  Application at 17-19. 
     

On March 26, 2018, the Bureau released a Public Notice requesting comment on the Application. Domestic Section 214 Application Filed for the Transfer of Control of FirstLight to Flight Group Holdings LP, WC Docket No. 18-83, Public Notice, DA 18-300 (rel. March 26, 2018).
  On April 5, 2018, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Defense (DOD) (collectively, the Executive Branch Agencies) filed a letter requesting that the Commission defer action on this proceeding while they completed their review of any national security, law enforcement, and public safety concerns. Letter from Debbie Wheeler, U.S. Department of Justice, to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, FCC, WC Docket No. 18-83 (filed Apr. 5, 2018).
  We deferred action in response to the Executive Branch Agencies’ request. Notice of Removal of Domestic Section 214 Application from Streamlined Treatment, WC Docket No. 18-83, Public Notice, DA 18-382 (rel. Apr. 16, 2018).
  

On July 9, 2018, DOJ, with the concurrence of the DHS and DOD, submitted a Petition to Adopt Conditions to Authorizations and Licenses (Petition). Petition to Adopt Conditions to Authorizations and Licenses, WC Docket No. 18-83 and File Nos. ITC-T/C-20180319-00055, ITC-T/C-20180319-00056; ITC-T/C-20180319-00058; ITC-T/C-20180319-00059; ITC-T/C-20180319-00060; ISP-PDR-2018031900001; ULS File No. 0008139073 (filed July 9, 2018).
  In the Petition, DOJ advises the Commission that DOJ has no objection, and that it is DOJ’s understanding that DOD and DHS have no objection, to the Commission approving the authority sought in this proceeding, provided the Commission conditions its approval on Transferee and its parent entities, OHCP Northeastern Fiber Buyer, Inc., Antin Infrastructure Partners III, FCPI, and Antin Infrastructure Partners III, L.P., abiding by the commitments and undertakings set forth in the July 9, 2018 Letter of Agreement (Agreement) between these entities and DOJ. Id. at 1-2 and Attach.
  

The Bureau finds, upon consideration of the record, that grant of the Application, subject to compliance with the Agreement, will serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity. 47 CFR § 63.03(b).
  Further, consistent with Commission precedent, the Bureau accords the appropriate level of deference to the Executive Branch Agencies' expertise on national security and law enforcement issues. The Commission considers national security, law enforcement, foreign policy, and trade policy concerns when analyzing a transfer of control or assignment application in which foreign ownership is an issue.  See Amendment of the Commission’s Regulatory Policies to Allow Non-U.S. Licensed Satellites Providing Domestic and International Service in the United States, Report and Order, 12 FCC Rcd 24094, 24170-72, paras. 178-82 (1997); Rules and Policies on Foreign Participation in the U.S. Telecommunications Market, IB Docket No. 97-142, Market Entry and Regulation of Foreign Affiliated Entities, IB Docket No. 95-22, Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration, 12 FCC Rcd 23891, 23919-21, paras. 61-66 (1997) (Foreign Participation Order), Order on Reconsideration, 15 FCC Rcd 18158 (2000).  In assessing the public interest, the Commission considers the record and accords the appropriate level of deference to Executive Branch expertise on national security and law enforcement issues.  See Foreign Participation Order, 12 FCC Rcd at 23919-21, paras. 61-66.
  Therefore, pursuant to section 214 of the Act, 47 U.S.C. § 214, and sections 0.91 and 0.291 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR §§ 0.91, 0.291, the Bureau hereby grants the Application discussed in this Public Notice subject to compliance with the Agreement described above.  A failure to comply with and/or remain in compliance with any of the provisions of the Agreement shall constitute a failure to meet a condition of this authorization and thus grounds for declaring the underlying authorizations terminated without further action on the part of the Commission.  Failure to meet a condition of this authorization may also result in monetary sanctions or other enforcement action by the Commission.

Pursuant to section 1.103 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR § 1.103, the grant is effective upon release of this Public Notice.  Petitions for reconsideration under section 1.106 or applications for review under section 1.115 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR §§ 1.106, 1.115, may be filed within 30 days of the date of this Public Notice.

For further information, please contact Jodie May, Wireline Competition Bureau, Competition Policy Division, (202) 418-0913.



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