WTA Discusses Intercarrier Compensation NRPM with FCC

Last week, WTA met with staff from the office of FCC Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty to discuss a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would, among other things, transition the current intercarrier compensation regime to a bill-and-keep system.

WTA noted that “while the Draft NPRM made a few fleeting references to the role of intercarrier compensation in preserving universal service, local rate affordability is an issue of critical importance to WTA’s members and their customers.” WTA urged the Commission not to eliminate intercarrier compensation, telephone access charges or CAF ICC, in light of the critical role these revenue streams play currently for ensuring comparable rates, but if they are eliminated, they should be phased out in a manner that recognizes the impact may be particularly severe for some carriers.

Notices of ex parte can be found here: Chairman Carr; Commissioner Trusty