Rural Associations File Comments on Near-Term Intercarrier Compensation NPRM

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.… Continue reading “Rural Associations File Comments on Near-Term Intercarrier Compensation NPRM”

Rural Groups File in Proceeding on Form 477

Today, OPASTCO, WTA and NTCA filed a joint response to the FCC’s NPRM on Form 477.  The associations wrote that the “Commission’s proposals would appreciably expand the scope of its Form 477 reporting requirements, significantly increasing the burden on small … Continue reading “Rural Groups File in Proceeding on Form 477”

Rural Groups File in Support of Extension of Separations Freeze

Today, WTA, NECA, NTCA, OPASTCO and ERTA submitted a filing to the FCC supporting an extension of the separations freeze for one year following the adoption of comprehensive ICC and USF reform rules.… Continue reading “Rural Groups File in Support of Extension of Separations Freeze”

RUS Hosts Broadband Loan Program Workshop

USDA Rural Development invites people with interest in applying for the Rural Broadband Access Loan Program and the Community Connect Grant Program to attend a free informational workshop regarding the application process. The workshop will be held in Denver, CO … Continue reading “RUS Hosts Broadband Loan Program Workshop”

RUS Announces New Broadband Loan Program Rules

Today, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced RUS is issuing a Notice of Solicitations of Applications and regulations implementing the new rules for the Broadband Loan Program.  More information can be found on the Loan Program webpage.  In addition, you … Continue reading “RUS Announces New Broadband Loan Program Rules”

RUS to Host Webinar on Community Connect Grants

On March 22nd from 2-4pm Eastern, RUS will host a webinar workshop on applying for Community Connect grants.  If you’d like to participate, more information can be found here.… Continue reading “RUS to Host Webinar on Community Connect Grants”

Rural Advocates Rebut Misleading Conclusions With Facts About Allocation of High-Cost USF Support

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 … Continue reading “Rural Advocates Rebut Misleading Conclusions With Facts About Allocation of High-Cost USF Support”