NTCA Statement on FCC A-CAM Order

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association today released the following statement from NTCA Executive Vice President Mike Romano after the FCC released an order enhancing the Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) program and making other universal service updates, along with notices of proposed rulemaking and inquiry seeking comment on certain program details and the future of universal service in areas where networks have been deployed:
 
“Given the complexity of promoting and sustaining robust, reliable, and affordable connectivity in deeply rural areas, it will take time to review and determine how today’s order will affect the consumers and communities in areas served by NTCA members – and this is especially true in the instant proceeding where so much will turn on implementation efforts. Nonetheless, today’s order and related notices represent a significant step in the debate over how to further the comprehensive mission of universal service. We are grateful to Chairwoman Rosenworcel, to Commissioners Carr, Starks, and Simington, and to the hard-working staff at the FCC for their attention to and willingness to discuss these critical issues. We look forward now to conversations about the implementation of this order as well as next steps on universal service in other rural areas, and we hope that the equally important statutory universal service goals of both getting and keeping customers connected will remain the North Star for all such discussions.”