In re Connect America Fund, WC Docket 10-90
On November 21, 2017, the Rural Coalition submitted an ex parte letter to address certain arguments and proposals raised in Reply Comments and other submissions regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s (“Commission”) Public Notice concerning the Connect America Fund Phase II Auction (“CAF Phase II Auction” or the “Auction”) procedures. Specifically, the Rural Coalition noted its concern that parties in the proceeding have proposed recommendations that, if adopted, would reduce accountability and potentially undermine an efficient and fair auction process by delaying (or preventing entirely) the Commission’s review of information essential to confirming the technical and financial qualifications of entities placing bids in the CAF Phase II Auction. The letter sets forth why the Commission should reject these efforts and instead it should strengthen the upfront short-form review.