WTA Discusses E-rate and Broadband Availability and Affordability at the FCC

This week, WTA, ITTA, and USTelecom met with Wireline Competition Bureau staff, and the offices of Commissioner Ajit Pai and Commissioner Mike O’Rielly to urge the FCC to refrain from expanding the E-rate program for achieving High-Cost and Lifeline program goals and that Petitions requesting waiver of these rules to extend E-rate services to residential locations should be denied. The Associations explained that cost-allocation rules and certification requirements are critical safeguards that protect the E-rate program from waste, fraud and abuse.