The FCC, on March 23rd, issued a Report and Order, Third Order on Reconsideration, and NPRM concerning high cost USF support for RoR carriers. Publication in the Federal Register on April 25th means that comments are due May 25th. ICORE plans to offer comments in this very important proceeding.
In its NPRM, the FCC addresses four major issues of critical importance to small, rural ILECs: (1) The revision of the high cost budget for RoR carriers; (2) A new offer for RoR carriers to choose A-CAM support; (3) The full funding of carriers that have previously accepted A-CAM support; and (4} The adoption of changes to the Commission’s budget control mechanism.
All four of these proposals are crucial to the provision of appropriate levels of broadband-based interstate revenue requirements to RLECs. The proper treatment of these reforms will also assure that the FCC’s long-standing Universal Service goals of providing advanced and high-speed broadband services, at affordable rates to every American, are met.
ICORE will continue to keep you informed on this extremely important proceeding.
