FCC Should Implement Broadly Supported USF Contribution Reform Proposals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                              Contact: Lucy Tutwiler
August 21, 2012                                                                                                                        (202) 449-9866

FCC Should Implement Broadly Supported USF Contribution Reform Proposals

Washington, DC – Today in an ex parte filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission), CCA – The Competitive Carriers Association encouraged the FCC to take immediate steps to broaden the Universal Service Fund (USF) contribution base by focusing in the near term on uncontroversial USF reform proposals.  CCA fully supports the FCC’s efforts to broaden the USF funding base to create a stable, long-term future for the fund, and CCA encourages the Commission to move forward on broadly supported proposals to progress toward this important goal.

In a statement, CCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry said, “USF support is critical to competitive carriers, and the FCC should take every opportunity it can to move forward on contribution reform.  While there is disagreement on many of the more granular proposals in the USF NPRM, there is an immediate opportunity for the FCC to make meaningful progress on its USF reform goals, focusing on proposals that are widely supported.  Specifically, the Commission should broaden the USF base by including enterprise services and one-way VoIP services.  These services currently use the same USF-funded infrastructure as other services that are currently assessed, and should be included in the contribution base.”

“To address the more complex, disputed proposals, I encourage the Commission to strongly consider forming an industry advisory committee, comprised of a wide cross-section of industry players.  Many competitive carriers depend on USF support to survive and compete, and it is absolutely critical for the FCC to get it right.  I urge the Commission to move forward on the widely-supported proposals to make meaningful progress on behalf of consumers, the economy and American jobs.”

About CCA

CCA is the nation’s leading association for competitive wireless providers serving rural and regional areas of the United States. The licensed service area of CCA’s more than 100 members covers 95 percent of the nation.