ACA President & CEO Matthew M. Polka Applauds FCC For Historic Vote To Reform Universal Service Fund

ACA's Polka says the Federal Communications Commission's vote to reform the Universal Service Fund sets the stage for the agency's direct support of broadband service in high cost areas for the first time in history
 
Oct. 27, 2011 - PRLog -- PITTSBURGH, October 27, 2011: "The American Cable Association applauds the Federal Communications Commission for taking truly historic action to modernize the USF program in an effort to ensure that all Americans, especially those located in rural areas that are more expensive to serve, have broadband Internet access and can participate on an equal basis in the transformative Internet-based economy.

"ACA is very pleased that Chairman Genachowski agreed with the independent cable operator community on the need to curb the size of the High Cost Fund by requiring it to operate under a budget for the first time and for limiting financial support for telephone companies in areas where they face broadband competition from providers that do not receive any USF support. Reforming USF has been a marathon campaign to develop new policies that balance the needs of the American consumer and a wide range of industry stakeholders. ACA has nothing but high praise for all FCC Commissioners and their dedicated and professional staff members, who conducted a fair and open process leading up to today's vote.

"At the same time, ACA is disappointed that the fund provides larger telephone carriers with a right of first refusal to provide broadband in high cost, unserved areas worth up to $1.8 billion annually -- twice the amount of support these carriers receive under the existing USF program today.  More than 500 smaller cable operators who are ACA members and were interested in having the same opportunity to participate in the Connect America Fund program know that consumers would have received better broadband services, such as higher speeds, if the FCC had opted for competitive bidding instead of the right of first refusal.

"In the months ahead, the FCC will commence a number of important rulemakings, such as the development of cost models that will largely determine the level of rural broadband support on a provider-by-provider basis, and the development of a competitive bidding process to serve areas rejected by mid-sized and larger telephone carriers. ACA will remain fully engaged, and our group plans to fully participate in these upcoming proceedings."

About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing nearly 900 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for more than 7.6 million cable subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America.  Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA's members work together to advance the interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their business.  For more information, visit http://www.americancable.org/

# # #

ACA supports independent cable operators and their customers by promoting a legislative and regulatory environment that allows for a fair and competive marketplace and by providing the tools and information our members need to compete effectively
End
Source: » Follow
Email:***@americancable.org Email Verified
Zip:15220-3505
Tags:American Cable Association, Aca, Fcc, Usf, Universal Service, Broadband, Rural America
Industry:Cable tv, Broadband Internet, Media
Location:Pittsburgh - Pennsylvania - United States
Account Email Address Verified     Account Phone Number Verified     Disclaimer     Report Abuse
American Cable Association PRs
Trending News
Most Viewed
Top Daily News



Like PRLog?
9K2K1K
Click to Share