WTA Files Reply Comments in Intercarrier Compensation Proceeding

Today, WTA filed reply comments in response to the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking’s on intercarrier compensation and the transition to an all-IP network. WTA noted that while filing parties uniformly support the ultimate goal of accelerating the deployment of all-IP networks, the FCC must do so in a manner that does not cause collateral damage to rural Americans by relegating them to expensive and/or inadequate service. However, some commenters unwisely support the NPRM’s proposals to quickly end intercarrier compensation and phase-out CAF-ICC support, without providing any alternative support. In response, WTA reminded the FCC that the Telecommunications Act seeks to ensure that rates and services in rural areas are reasonably comparable those in urban areas, and that the FCC must listen to the law, regardless of what other parties might like the FCC to do.