FCC Fails to Extend Open Internet Enhanced Transparency Waiver

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


For Immediate Release
Contact: Laura Withers, 703-351-2087, [email protected]

Arlington, Va., (December 16, 2016)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association today issued the following statement from Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield about the small business exemption on open internet “enhanced transparency” disclosure requirements that expired on December 15, 2016.

“In recent weeks and months, NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association and a coalition of like-minded stakeholders have worked hard to seek an extension of the exemption that provides small broadband internet service providers relief from some of the most burdensome aspects of the open internet rules. Despite rare and broad bipartisan agreement in Congress—including a 411–0 vote in the House of Representatives—that this exemption should be expanded and sustained, and despite what we believe to be broad agreement to very similar effect within the FCC itself, the commission was unable to complete action on granting such relief before the current exemption expired yesterday. NTCA is disappointed that this work could not be completed by the deadline, but we remain hopeful in light of the apparent consensus on this common-sense issue that any details holding up action can and will be resolved soon so that the relief everyone seems to agree is necessary can in fact be delivered.”

###

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.