(Mar. 24) In a meeting with the FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield discussed the need for rigorous review of long-form RDOF applications, as well as actions to promote stability for rural broadband providers including suspension of the...
(Mar. 23) In a meeting with the Office of FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, NTCA addressed a wide range of issues including the need for rigorous review of long-form RDOF applications. NTCA also urged the FCC to suspend the Budget Control...
(Mar. 23) Citing health care challenges in rural areas, including comorbidities associated with COVID-19, NTCA proposed the FCC incorporate rurality as a metric when evaluating applications for COVID-19 Telehealth Program awards. COVID-19 TELEHEALTH PROGRAM, Docket No. 20-89
(Mar. 19) NTCA filed comments with Office of Management and Budget recommending that proposed changes to how the Federal government defines “metro” and “non-metro” areas be suspended until the potential impact on rural programs can be assessed.
(Mar. 11) In a multi-page letter to FCC leadership, NTCA urged transparency in the long-form application reviews to ensure the integrity of the RDOF effort and confirm RDOF applicants’ ability to meet operational, financial and technical requirements. Connect America Fund...
(Mar. 9) Citing the need to obtain critical information rapidly and to avoid potential conflicts between local and Federal laws, NTCA suggested amendments to Network Outage Reporting System (NORS) and Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) rules.
(Feb. 26) In a letter to Congressional leadership, NTCA noted technological and market changes since the original passage of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and recommended adjustments to proposed updates to clarify protections for ISPs. Draft Legislation to Reform...
(Feb 23) NTCA filed comments with the FCC supporting the use of E-rate funds to support off-campus remote learning for students lacking broadband connections for the duration of the pandemic. Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-rate Program, WC Docket...
(Feb 22) NTCA Vice President of Industry Affairs Mike Romano spoke with FCC staff about the need for reasonable accountability measures in the administration of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program that will not deter prospective providers from wanting to participate...
On February 18, NTCA joined the Rural Wireless Association in comments pushing back on assertions in the FCC Petition for Reconsideration of the 5G Fund Order that the commission was right to assume that areas with unsubsidized 4G LTE or...
(Feb. 16) In reply comments, NTCA urged the FCC to apply existing eligibility programs to the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) and to promote model safeguards to protect the integrity of funding distribution. NTCA also reminded policymakers that the need...
(Feb. 16)In talks with the FCC, NTCA urged adoption of the procedures it has recommended to enhance transparency and accountability in the consideration of Rural Digital Opportunity Fund applications and expressed concerns regarding several financial burdens on rural broadband carriers...
On February 16, NTCA filed comments proposing the FCC admit non-ETCs into the program would include a “model” compliance program, enforcing “standard rate” statutory provisions prohibiting providers from engaging in competitive gamesmanship by picking and choosing their customers, and giving...
On February 16, NTCA filed comments supporting a proposal to enable schools to use E-rate support to connect students at home during the Covid-19 pandemic. NTCA stressed, however, that E-rate support should not be made available to schools to extend...
(Feb. 11) In comments to NTIA, NTCA cited successful efforts of both Tribal-owned and non-Tribal-owned rural companies providing broadband on Tribal lands, and urged NTIA to consider favorably Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program grant applications that promote distance education, telehealth and...
On February 11, NTCA met with FCC staff to discuss concerns shared by small rural providers in relation to the USF programs that support their operations, the treatment of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan funds, and accountability and transparency in...
NTCA and the Fiber Broadband Association filed a technical assessment with the FCC analyzing the ability of SpaceX to fulfill its public interest commitments as a winning bidder the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Phase I auction, demonstrating the detailed...
(Feb. 8) Noting providers’ needs to transition technologies in response to security threats and supply chain disruptions, NTCA recommended flexible parameters for provider compliance. Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs, WC Docket No...
(Feb. 5) Citing the need for comprehensive review of long-form RDOF applications, NTCA recommended specific transparency and accountability measures to ensure sound distribution of the $9 billion Phase I RDOF program. Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, WC Docket No. 19-126 Connect...
(Feb 5) In a joint letter with the National Rural Health Association, NTCA urged the FCC to consider unique rural healthcare needs as the COVID telehealth funding is distributed. Covid-19 Telehealth Program, Docket No. 20-89
