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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The Small Company Coalition – A Strong Voice for RLECs

From its motto, “We Built It, We Maintain It. We Value It,” to its ongoing Campaign to Reduce Regulatory Burden, the Small Company Coalition is a strong advocacy group for…

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Will the FCC Lighten its RLEC Touch?

As ICORE works for client companies, and analyzes industry events and trends, we are continually amazed at the complete control the FCC exercises over the interstate revenue of RLECs. From…

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Rural Broadband USF Help is Coming

“Although I hope these changes will help, you may be right that something more fundamental is needed. After all, if the Order is not carrying out its stated purpose of…

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Senate Hearing Explores Rural Broadband Funding

In what should be considered very good news, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss, Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet, recently held a hearing to…

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Rate Floors – A Bad Idea That May Be Ending

As you know, the minimum local rates that small rural ILECs must charge to receive full USF support have been frozen by the FCC at their current $18 per month.…

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Congressional Coalition Seeks Rural High Cost Broadband Relief

Congressman Kevin Cramer, R-ND, recently sent a bipartisan letter to the FCC on behalf of 102 Representatives, asking the Commission to help small, rural, high cost companies with additional broadband…

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