NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association in a recent discussion and follow-up letter with the FCC, responded to a proposal made by USTelecom – The Broadband Association on behalf of Price Cap carriers in the Commission’s 8YY Access Charge Reform Docket. USTelecom had suggested that a “sufficient recovery mechanism” for Price Cap companies would be … Read More
FCC Takes More Action on Robocalls, More Criticism from Democrat Senators on Tribal Broadband
With its recent order – actually, a Third Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking — the FCC continued its ongoing attack on robocalls. The Third Report and Order establishes, ”rules that further encourage call blocking by establishing a safe harbor from liability under the Communications Act and the … Read More
Pai Nixes Extensions of RDOF Auctions and Tribal Priority Application Window
In letters to the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Native American Council, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai denied their requests for an extension of both the tribal priority filing window timeline originally set to close on August 3, 2020, and the upcoming RDOF auction scheduled to begin October 22, 2020. Representatives Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) and Tom Cole … Read More
NECA Files Modification of Average Schedule High Cost Loop Formula
NECA’s annual filing of its USF HCL Formula, if approved by the FCC, will provide increased settlements to 73 of 74 affected average schedule study areas. While 1 study area will see a small decrease, 15 will receive settlements under this formula for the first time, and several will experience 50%, 100%, 200% and even … Read More
NTCA, RWA Continue to Promote the Advancement of Rural Broadband
In a videoconference and follow up letter, the Rural Wireless Association (RWA) and NTCA – the Rural Broadband Association, urged the FCC to “establish a 5G Fund for Rural America “ by allowing “rural carriers currently receiving frozen legacy support to continue…receiving legacy support at increased levels totaling $1.5 billion over 10 years.” In return, … Read More
Controversy Erupts over Broadband Deployment Data Collection
The continuing rift between Democrat and Republican commissioners at the FCC reared its head again during the Commission’s proceeding to launch its 2021 Broadband Deployment Report. The FCC’s Notice of Inquiry seeking comment on the methodology for the 2021 survey explains that “because our next Report is due 180 days from the release of this … Read More
CARES to Fund Rural Broadband?
A bipartisan coalition of thirty U.S. Representatives, headed by Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), has written a letter to ranking House and Senate leaders, asking that CARES Act funds, “be eligible for permanent broadband infrastructure construction…” It also requested “that Congress provides additional time for the buildout of new infrastructure.” The Coronavirus Aid, … Read More
NTCA, WTA, USTelecom to Congress: Do Not Eliminate ETC Designation at This Time
In a recent letter to Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Representatives Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and Greg Walden (R-Ore.), the three major broadband associations representing rural carriers expressed serious concerns about the proposed bill that would eliminate the ETC designation for certain broadband providers. Calling the proposal “a solution in need of … Read More
Gary Neill
It is with great sadness that we must write of the passing of Gary Neill, a long-time partner with ICORE, and a friend to all who knew him. Gary was one of those unique people that made every person around him feel welcome and comfortable, with his warm and easy-going personality. Gary held positions with … Read More
AT&T: Now is the Time for Congress to Appropriate Universal Service Funds
According to Joan Marsh, AT&T Executive Vice President of Regulatory & State External Affairs, “It’s time for us to fundamentally rethink how we fund USF programs – programs that have become even more essential” due to both COVID-19 and, “the clear need for all Americans to access a reliable broadband service.” Her recent blog post … Read More
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