RCA Continues Call for Forward-Looking USF Reform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                      Contact: Lucy Tutwiler

July 22, 2010                                                                                                              (202) 449-9866

RCA Continues Call for Forward-Looking USF Reform

Washington, DC – Today, RCA (Rural Cellular Association) continued to call for forward-looking Universal Service Fund (USF) reform, as Rep. Boucher, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet and Representative Terry introduced the Universal Service Reform Act of 2010.  RCA commends Representatives Boucher and Terry for taking this important step toward improving and modernizing USF and continues to push for USF reform that is technology neutral, competitively neutral, revenue neutral and forward funding.

In a statement following the bill’s introduction, RCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry said, “Many wireless rural and regional carriers depend on USF support to provide their consumers with competitive prices, and it is encouraging that wireless is included in this bill. I have real reservations regarding the competitive bidding process for wireless support.  USF reform should encourage competition and choice for consumers, while truly expanding service.”

Berry continued, “We support the goal of high-speed broadband deployment in all USF supported areas, but it is imperative that the FCC determine data speeds that may be achievable in rural and hard-to-reach areas.  Mobile broadband offers many benefits including job creation and economic growth, and rural communities must not be denied these valuable opportunities.  It is important to remember that the wireless industry contributes twice as much as it receives from USF.  RCA is available as a resource for the Committee as it works to develop legislation that is technology neutral, competitively neutral, revenue neutral and includes forward funding mechanisms.”

About RCA

RCA is the nation's leading association for wireless providers serving rural areas of the United States. The licensed service area of RCA's nearly 90 members covers more than 80 percent of the nation.

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