NTCA released the following statement from CEO Mike Romano after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Rural Broadband Protection Act, which would require a more thorough vetting process for providers seeking to participate in the FCC’s high-cost Universal Service Fund program. The bill was previously passed by the Senate and now heads to the president’s desk for signature.
“NTCA has long maintained that rural Americans deserve high-quality broadband access from providers capable of delivering on the promises they make in taking government funding. Better vetting of providers’ capabilities before they are awarded such funds is good public policy and common sense. Representing community-based providers with a proven track record of performance, NTCA is delighted that the Rural Broadband Protection Act has passed the House and the Senate, and we look forward to seeing it signed into law.”