For Immediate Release
Contact: Laura Withers, 703-351-2087, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (July 12, 2016)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association today commended new FCC rules intended to make more wireless spectrum available for next-generation 5G networks but noted the high-frequency spectrum will not realize its potential in rural areas without significant small cell deployment and fiber backhaul. In other news, NTCA voiced disappointment with FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s decision not to pursue new retransmission content rules needed to fix the broken video distribution marketplace and ensure rural consumers have improved access to affordable broadcast video content.
Regarding new 5G spectrum rules:
“We’re pleased that the FCC continues to look for ways to put more resources into the hands of operators looking to deploy robust communications networks,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield. “The spectrum identified today for potential 5G wireless use could offer great promise for advanced services.
“At the same time, it’s clear that this high-frequency spectrum can’t and won’t realize its full potential—especially in rural areas—without significant small cell deployment. With 5G, we are on the cusp in many ways of making mobile wireless networks look even more like Wi-Fi networks, which means we are going to need much greater fiber wireline connectivity to achieve success. NTCA therefore hopes that the FCC will build upon today’s action with streamlined processes for deploying small wireless antennas and greater consideration of how to enable sustainable connection of these countless antennas across wide swaths of rural America with the fiber needed to actually make them work.”
Regarding the retreat from new retransmission consent rules:
“I could not be more disappointed with today’s decision to back away from addressing one of the most serious, regulatory-driven market failures in the communications space,” Bloomfield said. “The evidence is clear that antiquated rules governing transmission of broadcast networks serve only to line the coffers of broadcasters at the expense of consumers and to the peril of the distribution networks that carry this content to consumers. The decision to retreat from any action in this space is particularly galling given that, in many rural areas, the distribution networks offer the only means for consumers to receive broadcast content that can no longer be accessed over-the-air—and yet these distribution networks must ironically pay broadcasters ever-escalating rates for the ‘privilege’ of carrying that signal due to outdated rules.
“If the goal is to ensure that today’s already-broken video distribution marketplace continues in a death spiral, today’s indecision paired with the FCC’s ongoing consideration of how to foist costs on distribution networks via ill-advised set-top box proposals certainly represents ‘progress.’”
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NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing more than 800 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA advocates on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas, and it provides training and development; publications and industry events; and an array of employee benefit programs. In an era of exploding technology, deregulation and marketplace competition, NTCA’s members are leading the IP evolution for rural consumers, delivering technologies that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development and commerce, education, health care, government services, security and smart energy use. Visit us at www.ntca.org.