Western Telecommunications Alliance

Today, the American Cable Association, WTA, NTCA and OPASTCO filed joint comments with the Library of Congress Copyright Office on the benefits of compulsory license and the harms threatened by its elimination.

Today, NECA, WTA, OPASTCO, NTCA and 30 state and other associations filed comments in the FCC’s proceeding on USF and intercarrier compensation reform.  The associations offer a targeted approach to modernizing existing mechanisms while encouraging fiscal responsibility and accountability.  A press release can be found here.

Today, NECA, WTA, OPASTCO, NTCA and ERTA filed reply comments on the FCC’s proposed rules for near-term intercarrier compensation reform.  Original comments were submitted on April 1st.  The associations find that there is overwhelming support in the record for quick action by the FCC to curb arbitrage opportunities in the intercarrier compensation system as set forth in Section XV of the FCC’s NPRM.

Today, NECA, WTA, NTCA, OPASTCO and ERTA filed comments supporting the FCC’s proposed Truth in Caller ID rules, pointing out that both the Truth in Caller ID problem and the “Phantom Traffic” problem could be resolved if the Commission is consistent in its rules and applies those rules to all voice service providers.  An associated press released was also issued.

Today, WTA submitted testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.

WTA and the other rural associations sent a letter to their members regarding three recent data requests.  Below are two templates and a draft of a nondisclosure agreement you may find helpful.

Nondisclosure Agreement Draft

FCC Data Template

Joint Board Data Template

50 billion dollars; that is how much communities and states spend each year wooing businesses from outside their area, according to Dr. Glenda Humiston, USDA Rural Development State Director for California. Speaking at last week’s Western Telecom Alliance Convention, Humiston likened this jockeying for out-of-town businesses as a zero-sum game that has limited benefit in spurring local economic growth. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis supports this idea that when cities, states and regions compete with subsidies, there are no winners.  Read more of this story…

Today, NECA, WTA, NTCA, OPASCTO, ERTA, the Rural Alliance and the Rural Broadband Alliance filed comments with the FCC addressing near term intercarrier compensation reform issues.  A related press release can be found here.