Western Telecommunications Alliance

On Aug 4th, WTA, OPASTCO and NTCA released a joint press statement on the FCC’s further inquiry into Universal Service Fund and broadband deployment.

On July 14th, WTA, NTCA and OPASTCO issued this press release.

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.

Today, WTA and its rural telecom allies issued a statement rebutting the findings of a report alleging that $.59 of every dollar of USF support goes to “general and administrative expenses.”  The response from the rural associations can be found here.

Following remarks today by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, the rural associations released this statement.

Today, WTA issued a press release thanking RUS Administrator Adelstein for a letter he sent to Chairman Genachowski regarding the National Broadband Plan.  The letter can be found here.

WTA, OPASTCO and NTCA issued a press release regarding the FCC’s declaratory ruling on states’ ability to require VOIP providers to contribute to state universal service funds.

On August 11th, WTA, NECA, OPASTCO, NTCA, and the Rural Alliance submitted reply comments to the FCC on its National Broadband Plan Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry.  41 State Associations concurred with the filing.  The group also issued a press release to accompany the comments.

WASHINGTON, DC – (August 11, 2010) – The Western Telecommunications Alliance (WTA) offers its deepest condolences to the family of former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens and to the families of the other passengers who lost their lives in Monday’s plane crash outside of Dillingham, Alaska. “Senator Stevens was not only a strong advocate for Alaska, but also of rural areas across America. WTA members will be forever grateful for his energy and longstanding commitment to Universal Service,” said Kelly Worthington, WTA’s Executive Vice President. WTA also wishes a speedy recovery for those who survived the accident.

WTA, along with NECA, OPASTCO, NTCA, and the Rural Alliance filed comments with the FCC regarding its Notice of Proposed Rule Making and Notice of Inquiry on the National Broadband Plan.  38 state telecom associations “concurred” with the comments.  The group also issued a press release.