WTA Encouraged By FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai’s Remarks on Stand-Alone Broadband

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 30, 2014) – WTA-Advocates for Rural Broadband is encouraged by the statement made by FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai in Omaha, NE yesterday regarding the need for reform of the Universal Service Fund distribution mechanism for small, rural telecommunications providers.

“The plan advanced by Commissioner Pai is a good start and fairly straightforward,” said Derrick Owens, WTA’s Vice-President of Government Affairs. “We’re pleased that he has put forward additional details on how he would like to make good on the commitment he and the other Commissioners made to Congress to ensure that rate-of-return carriers are able receive support from USF for broadband-only lines. We will continue to work with him, Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners O’Rielly, Rosenworcel and Clyburn, the Wireline Competition Bureau and our industry colleagues to develop a plan that meets the needs of the rural telecom industry and its customers, as well as the principles outlined by the Chairman.”

Read the full release here.