(Jun 10). In comments submitted to the FCC, NTCA detailed the challenges its members are facing in terms of access to the communications equipment (including routers, consumer premises equipment and fiber) they need to serve their rural communities. NTCA also...
(Jun 3) NTCA staff met with the office of FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to discuss the multiple and continuing Emergency Broadband Benefit Enrollment failures and challenges faced by rural carriers. NTCA proposed solutions to prevent recurrences in the future and...
(Jun 2) NTCA joined other associations in a brief submitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on June 1, 2021, challenging the lower court’s $1 billion judgment against Cox Communications for copyright infringement. The brief argued...
(Jun 2) In a meeting with a senior advisor to FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington, NTCA noted increased expenses and uncollectibles borne by rural providers who upgraded services and maintained accounts for customers during the pandemic, and explained the adverse impacts...
(Jun 1) In meetings with senior advisors to FCC leadership, NTCA noted increased expenses and uncollectible borne by rural providers who upgraded services and maintained accounts for customers during the pandemic, and explained the adverse impacts that would be imposed...
(May 11) In a meeting with the office of FCC Chair Rosenworcel, NTCA cited a potential $111 million impact to rural broadband providers and urged the FCC to suspend budget controls in the face of pandemic-related efforts to meet surging...
(May 4) Commenting on a forthcoming FCC report on Lifeline, NTCA identified unintended impacts of minimal speed subscription standards for Lifeline and recommended the FCC to permit subscribers to select more affordable options. Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization...
(Apr. 28) Noting multiple FCC actions on its own motion to meet the COVID-19 crisis, NTCA met with senior staff to demonstrate the need to suspend application of the high-cost Budget Control Mechanism while providers work to meet increased deployment...
(Apr. 26) In a meeting with the office of Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, NTCA urged the FCC to refrain from applying the budget control mechanism (BCM) to high-cost carriers that have incurred increased expenses connecting more consumers to broadband during...
(Apr. 26) In reply comments, NTCA reiterated recommendations that the Commission prioritize rip and replace reimbursement for providers with 2 million or fewer customers, and supported calls to allow reimbursement for equipment and services installed on or before June 30...
(Apr.26) NTCA recommended the FCC allow providers to use “rip and replace” funding to purchase the equipment the provider has identified as necessary to best serve their community, rather than only for the same type of equipment that must be...
(Apr. 23) In a joint letter to the FCC, NTCA, ACA, Benton Institute and Education Superhighway recommended that unconnected students enjoy priority in the Emergency Connectivity Fund program. Emergency Connectivity Fund for Educational Connections and Devices to Address the Homework...
(Apr. 19) Addressing a proposed change to TRS contribution rules, NTCA noted steep increases in RLEC obligations that occurred following an earlier revision and urged the FCC to ensure that new rules do not create disproportionate impacts. Telecommunications Relay Services...
(Apr. 14) NTCA joined provider and associate members to discuss the potential impact of location fabric mapping data on high-cost deployment obligations, including issues specific to Tribal and Alaska service areas. Connect America Fund, Docket No. 10-90
(Apr. 12) In a meeting with senior staff, NTCA reiterated requests to waive application of the budget control mechanism while providers face pandemic-related financial challenges. NTCA also expressed support for extended ACAM funding in exchange for enhanced and expedited deployment...
(Apr. 13) NTCA recommended the FCC incorporate the full suite of equipment and services identified by Congress, rather than a more limited list enumerated previously by the FCC, when directing reimbursements for “rip and replace” actions. NTCA also urged priority...
(Apr. 7) Citing requirements of the Telecommunications Act, NTCA urged the FCC to conduct fact-specific, evidenced-based reviews of ETC applications by RDOF participants to ensure that obligations, including the provision of voice telephony, are fulfilled. Telecommunications Carriers Eligible for Universal...
(Apr. 5) In filed comments, NTCA proposed to the FCC that Emergency Connectivity Funds leverage existing networks and coordinate with existing programs to ensure targeted application to complete gaps in broadband connectivity. Emergency Connectivity Fund, WC Docket No. 21-93
(Apr. 1) Alongside other rural organizations, NTCA urged the FCC to resolve potential uncertainties regarding defaulting RDOF applicants that could stand in the way of obtaining alternative Federal, state or local broadband funding. Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction, AU Docket...
(Mar. 24) In a meeting with senior FCC staff, NTCA recommended suspension of Budget Control Mechanism controls while carriers address pandemic-related cash-flow disruptions. NTCA also explained the value of regulatory parity in reporting requirements and suggested steps to reduce administrative...
