Finally, FCC Promises Rural Broadband USF Relief

“In my first remarks to FCC staff as Chairman…I declared that my highest priority would be making sure every American who wants high-speed Internet access can get it. Rural Americans…

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Relief in Sight?

Recent FCC actions indicate that it is in the process of addressing the critical shortfall in USF support for RLECs. The Commission has directed USAC to retain any excess cash…

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A Busy Time

All five FCC Commissioners recently testified before the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, covering a variety of broad issues concerning “Oversight of the FCC.” On November 1, the Subcommittee…

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The FCC Must Act SOON

With High Cost Loop Support continuing to be significantly reduced, many small Rate of Return RLECs – both those receiving legacy settlements, as well as those choosing the ACAM model…

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Pai Addresses Waste, Fraud and Abuse in Lifeline Program

In recent testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai confirmed what many of us already knew, or at least suspected: That…

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Budget Mechanism Strikes Again

NECA has just filed its proposed 2018 Modification of the Average Schedule Universal Service High Cost Loop Support Formula, which increases interstate USF settlements for some of the nation’s smallest…

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Has the FCC Abandoned Universal Service?

The concept of universal telephone service at reasonable rates has been around since the early 20th century, and codified into law in 1934. As early as 1913, the U.S. government…

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