For Immediate Release
Contact: Laura Withers, 703-351-2087, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (August 26, 2016)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association issued the following statement from Senior Vice President of Industry Affairs and Business Development Michael Romano in response to the order released today by the FCC with regard to procedures for commission review of state opt-out requests from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet):
“Although NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association hoped the FCC might adopt more specific guidelines for FirstNet deployment in rural areas, we are very pleased that the order released by the commission today recognizes the statutory obligation of FirstNet to ensure ‘substantial rural coverage’ and includes an express commitment to monitor FirstNet’s ongoing compliance with that mandate. FirstNet’s request for proposal contemplates real commitments with respect to rural deployment and leveraging of existing rural network assets, and NTCA’s rural telecom members look forward to working to help FirstNet and its partners achieve those commitments consistent with the vision of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.”
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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.