Contact: Lauren Gaydos, 703-351-2015
Arlington, Va., (November 23, 2021)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association today endorsed the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act, a bill introduced by Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., John Thune, R-S.D., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., and Jerry Moran, R-Kan., to update the contributions mechanism that funds the federal Universal Service Fund (USF)— critical to promoting the availability and affordability of communications services for millions of Americans.
The “contribution base” – the revenues that fund the USF – has declined dramatically over the last two decades. NTCA has long advocated for expanding the contribution base so that the critical USF initiatives sit atop a stable and sustainable foundation. The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act would direct the FCC to complete a rulemaking to reform the contribution system within a year.
“NTCA applauds the leadership of Senators Klobuchar, Thune, Hickenlooper and Moran in seeking to chart a course for steadier long-term support of USF programs and promote achievement of our country’s universal service mission,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield. “As we continue to telework, educate our children remotely and try to stay connected with loved ones online, it is clear that broadband plays an essential role in creating good jobs, rebuilding our economy and ensuring the well-being of millions of Americans—and the Universal Service Fund is key to making critical communications services both available and affordable. Efforts to examine and address continuing erosion in the system that funds the USF will be essential to achieve and sustain a shared vision of universal connectivity. We are therefore pleased to endorse the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act.”
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NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovative change in smart rural communities across America. In an era of transformative technological developments, regulatory challenges and marketplace competition, NTCA members are advancing efforts to close the digital divide by delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks. Their commitment to building sustainable networks makes rural communities fertile ground for innovation in economic development, e-commerce, health care, agriculture and education, and it contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Visit us at www.ntca.org.