WTA Discusses USF Reforms with FCC Staff

On November 5, WTA staff and representatives from telco leadership had a conversation with staff from the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau. Topics of discussion included “the structure of bifurcated support mechanisms for ‘old’ and ‘new’ investment and operating expenses; transition periods and terms for bifurcated mechanisms; nature and calculation of potential benchmarks; identification, impacts and challenge processes regarding unsubsidized competitors; effects of model-based support on subscriber line charges, special access services and pooling; build-out requirements; allocation of CAF Reserve if a significant number of study areas initially opts into model-based support; status and impact of Alaska and Tribal plans; and treatment of acquisitions and mergers that take place after initial elections of alternative support paths.”