WTA Discusses USF Budget Order with Bureau, Commissioner Offices

This week, representatives from WTA met separately with staff from the Wireline Competition Bureau and the four Commissioner offices to discuss the draft USF High Cost Program budget Order and FNPRM scheduled to be voted on at the Commission’s next open meeting on Dec. 12.  WTA emphasized its support for the Report and Order as circulated and stated that it would also support the inclusion of the same type of Tribal Broadband Factor in the cost-based support mechanisms as was incorporated into the new ACAM model offer for Tribal lands.

In addition, WTA expressed concerns regarding the future impact of CBOL adoption upon the budget control mechanism and regarding the potential use of reverse auctions in areas with substantial existing wireline networks and investment, but will address these matters in the further rulemaking.

A representative Notice of Ex Parte can be found here.