WTA Comments on ARP Interim Rule for Broadband Funds

On July 16, WTA filed comments with the Treasury Department on its Interim Final Rules regarding the coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds approved in the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

In its comments, WTA recommended the Department focus its funding on areas lacking 25/3 Mbps (unserved) before proceeding to areas receiving service greater than 25/3 Mbps but less than 100/20 Mbps (underserved). Recipients of support should be required to build out service capable of 100 Mbps symmetrical, while recognizing there are rural areas where this is not feasible given limited funding and topography. WTA also emphasized that this new funding should complement existing broadband programs and support existing networks rather than build new ones.