Rural Associations File Comments on TDM to IP Transition

Today, NECA, WTA, NTCA and ERTA filed reply comments at the FCC in the proceeding concerning the TDM to IP Transition.… Continue reading “Rural Associations File Comments on TDM to IP Transition”

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”

Rural Associations File Comments on Flawed National Broadband Map

On February 19th, NECA, WTA and NTCA filed comments with the FCC warning about the use of the National Broadband Map as a tool to determine whether an ILEC faces an unsubsidized competitor.… Continue reading “Rural Associations File Comments on Flawed National Broadband Map”

Rural Associations File Comments on Remote Areas Fund

Today, NECA, WTA, NTCA and ERTA filed comments with the FCC in response to its Public Notice on establishing a Remote Areas Fund to bring broadband to the hardest to serve parts of the country.… Continue reading “Rural Associations File Comments on Remote Areas Fund”

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”

Telco Associations File Comments on FCC’s Proposed ICC Reform Compliance and Monitoring Form

On February 4th, NECA, WTA, NTCA, OPASTCO, ITTA and USTelecom filed joint comments in response to the FCC’s Public Notice requesting comments on a proposal to collect data on an annual basis from ILECs that participate in the CAF intercarrier … Continue reading “Telco Associations File Comments on FCC’s Proposed ICC Reform Compliance and Monitoring Form”

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”