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WTA Praises Introduction of Legislation Expanding Broadband Grants in Rural America

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 28, 2016) – WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband praises Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Kirsten Gillebrand (D-NY) for introducing the Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-CROP) Act. B-CROP would expand the Broadband Loan Program … Continue reading “WTA Praises Introduction of Legislation Expanding Broadband Grants in Rural America”

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”

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”

WTA Submits Testimony on RUS Loan Program Budget

Today, WTA submitted testimony to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies on RUS’ Telecommunications and Broadband Loan Programs.… Continue reading “WTA Submits Testimony on RUS Loan Program Budget”

RUS Posts Letter to Potential Borrowers

Today, RUS Assistant Administrator David Villano posted a letter on the agency’s webpage discussing new requirements for loan applicants for the current fiscal year.… Continue reading “RUS Posts Letter to Potential Borrowers”

Rural Associations Send Letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack Regarding FCC Reforms

Today, NTCA, WTA and OPASTCO sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who’s also the Chair of the White House Rural Council, regarding the FCC’s Order and FNPRM.  The associations write that the FCC’s actions “threaten the sustainability of … Continue reading “Rural Associations Send Letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack Regarding FCC Reforms”

RUS Administrator Adelstein Encourages FCC to Adopt Waiver for RUS Borrowers

On October 20th, RUS Administrator Jonathan Adelstein sent a letter to FCC Chairman Genachowski asking the FCC to adopt a waiver process for “those who have prudently, in good faith with government oversight, under current USF rules” when devising it’s … Continue reading “RUS Administrator Adelstein Encourages FCC to Adopt Waiver for RUS Borrowers”