Reform Principles

Rural Associations Policy Reform Framework

Contains all of the rural association position papers in one document: An Action Plan for Promoting and Sustaining Rural Broadband,
High-Cost Universal Service Support – The Overlooked Adoption Success Story, Rate of Return Regulation: A Broadband Success Story,
Intercarrier Compensation Reform: A Streamlined Approach for a Solid Foundation and How to Avoid a “Digital Divide”

January 26 Rural Association ex parte

WC Docket No. 10-90: In the Matter of Connect America Fund A National Broadband Plan for our Future High-Cost Universal Service Support; GN Docket No. 09-51: In the Matter of a National Broadband Plan for Our Future; and WC Docket No. 05-337: In the Matter of Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service High-Cost Universal Service Support (PDF)

Individual Position Papers

An Action Plan for Promoting and Sustaining Rural Broadband: outlines USF reform proposals that will promote and sustain investment in broadband services throughout the United States, particularly operations in rural, high-cost areas. 

High-Cost Universal Service Support – The Overlooked Adoption Success Story: points to the value of USF both in supporting the deployment of new networks and advancing the quality of existing networks and services, while maintaining affordability which is critical to achieving the NBP’s desired levels of adoption.

Intercarrier Compensation (ICC): contains proposed steps for streamlined, near-term ICC reforms to create solid foundation for broader reforms.
   For policy-maker visits: one-page document on ICC to use as a leave-behind following your visits or contacts.

Rate-of-Return (RoR) Regulation: Highlights proven record of RoR and explains why the framework should be used as a model for broadband deployment 
   For policy-maker visits: one-page document on RoR regualtion to use as a leave-behind following your visits or contacts.

Avoiding a Digital Divide one page-document for policy-maker visits
Contains proposed solutions for addressing the availability and distribution of universal service support to guard against policies that could exacerbate any rural-urban “digital divide” or create entirely new rural-rural “digital divides.”

Advantages of a Wireline Network one-page document
Highlights the role of wireline networks in making wireless technology available to consumers.

Reverse Auctions one-page policy document 
Explains how reverse auctions undermine the goals of universal service and outlines the threats created by the unproven reverse auction regime.

Economic Development one-page document for policy-maker visits
Outlines the importance of broadband availability for economic development in rural communities, and points to the role of universal service support in making that quality, reliable broadband accessible to all consumers. 

Small and mid-sized carriers' common fundamental USF and intercarrier compensation reform principles:
        10 principles for USF reform
        4 principles for ICC reform

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