USDA Secretary Vilsack Meets with FCC Chairman Genachowski about USF/ICC Reform

On February 15th, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack met with FCC Chairman Genachowski to make recommendations to facilitate broadband build-out in rural America.  Secretary Vilsack made the following recommendations:

  1. Create a separate Connect America Fund for Rate of Return Carriers
Continue reading “USDA Secretary Vilsack Meets with FCC Chairman Genachowski about USF/ICC Reform”

FCC Releases NPRM on Call Completion

Today, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on rules to help “address problems in the completion of long-distance telephone calls to rural customers.”  Comments are due 30 days after the NPRM is published in the Federal Continue reading “FCC Releases NPRM on Call Completion”

The Critical Need for USF Contributions Reform

This week, WTA released a brief report highlighting the need and rational for engaging in contributions reform by expanding the base of contributors to the Universal Service Fund.… Continue reading “The Critical Need for USF Contributions Reform”

Letter to President Obama

Dear Mr. President:

Rural Telephone/Nex-Tech, Lenora, Kansas, is in the final months of completing its $101 million broadband expansion project in western Kansas, as a successful applicant in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) program. While we are proud … Continue reading “Letter to President Obama”

USDA Meets with Chairman Genachowski

On May 31st, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and RUS Administrator Jonathan Adelstein met with Chairman Genachowski and his staff.  You can find the notice of ex parte here.… Continue reading “USDA Meets with Chairman Genachowski”

Save Rural Broadband Campaign Wins Awards

On April 30th, the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA) announced the winners of the 2012 Communicators Awards, which include the Save Rural Broadband campaign.  The SRB campaign won three awards for the video it produced featuring Valley Telephone … Continue reading “Save Rural Broadband Campaign Wins Awards”

Members of Congress Send Letters to FCC on USF/ICC Rulemakings

Over the past month, Senators and Representatives have sent the following letters to the FCC regarding the USF/ICC Order and FNPRM:

April 3rd – Letter sent by Senators Mark Begich (AK) and John Thune (SD) and 17 other Senators

April … Continue reading “Members of Congress Send Letters to FCC on USF/ICC Rulemakings”