Contact: Lauren Gaydos, 703-351-2015
Arlington, Va., (March 9, 2022)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association and the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) filed joint comments today regarding the FCC’s proposals to adopt a broadband consumer label, as mandated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
More specifically, the joint comments recommend:
- Requiring a simple, consumer-friendly broadband label that includes information on speed and other key performance parameters, but excludes the requirement to disclose packet loss metrics or data related to bundled services and other governmental programs;
- Replacing the existing disclosure requirements with the simplified broadband label; and
- Allowing small providers additional time to comply with the new rules adopted in this proceeding.
“Our interest as small, community-based providers means it’s incumbent upon us to provide useful info to our neighbors,” said Louis Peraertz, VP of Policy for WISPA. “We do this because we value our customers and our mission of community service. At the end of the day, accurately relaying this info helps us quickly differentiate our offerings in the marketplace and, ultimately, grow.”
“Community-based broadband providers are already a critical force in bridging the digital divide, and they are committed to providing the highest quality services to their neighbors,” said Michael Romano, NTCA’s Senior VP for Industry Affairs and Business Development. “As internet service becomes ever more essential in the daily lives of millions of Americans, it is important for consumers to have clear information to make the right choices for their service. The FCC therefore must ensure that any disclosure labels provide clear information that is in fact useful for the consumer while not overly burdening smaller providers who are leading the charge in delivering these much-needed services.”
The joint comments also note that any promulgated labeling rules must work in accord with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). The RFA plays an important role in mitigating the disproportionate effects of regulations on small companies, and the majority of NTCA’s and WISPA’s members are small businesses. FCC compliance with the RFA would help ensure that NTCA’s and WISPA’s members can better focus their efforts and resources on delivery of robust, innovative and affordable broadband services.
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About NTCA
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.
About WISPA
WISPA’s approximately 1000 members are composed of fixed Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) and the evolving industry that supports fixed broadband connectivity, including equipment suppliers, support services, and other components needed to run a successful business. Our members provide evolutionary broadband access to millions of residential and business customers in rural, urban and Tribal areas across America.