Wireless Internet Service Providers
association (WISPA) says that The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC)
recent Universal Service Fund (USF) reform announcement is a positive step
toward fixing a USF system that has been broken for a long time.
“We hope the new FCC rules recognize
the important role that privately-funded WISPs are playing to bring broadband
service to millions of unserved Americans. We trust that the FCC will work to
support and expand our successful private-sector role,” said Rick Harnish,
executive director, WISPA.
WISPA concerned the Commission may be
overlooking the opportunity to speed broadband deployment by leveling the
playing field between current USF recipients (primarily telephone companies)
and the innovative and entrepreneurial fixed wireless broadband providers who
have demonstrated the ability to quickly and cost-effectively provide broadband
service to unserved and underserved areas without the use of government
subsidies.
According to WISPA, USF or Connect
America Fund (CAF) subsidies may be used to compete against existing broadband
service providers. Using government subsidies to compete against existing
privately-funded broadband providers could put many private-sector broadband
providers out of business and destroy thousands of local jobs.
WISPA looks forward to continuing to work
with the FCC to assure that the new CAF regulations support existing
privately-funded broadband providers as they continue to cost-effectively bring
fixed broadband service to the millions of Americans who would otherwise have
no broadband service at home.
By Telecomlead.com Team
