Coalition To Keep America Connected.

Washington, D.C., December 6, 2005 -- In a two-page analysis, the Coalition to Keep America Connected today sent members of the Senate and House Commerce Committees an outline illustrating six fundamental flaws in the Progress and Freedom Forums Digital Age Communications Act (DACA) preliminary proposal and legislative language. The DACA proposal claims to offer a solution to issues surrounding universal service support for High-Cost service areas.

In the analysis, the DACA proposal did not meet the Coalitions criteria to ensure that all consumers have access to affordable telecommunications services and the latest technologies-- no matter where they live. Flaws in the proposal include a lack of provisions to promote advanced services, federal and state jurisdiction recommendations that are not in line with current and recent legislative efforts, an arbitrary cap on the High-Cost Universal Service Fund, block grants, telecom goals that do not mesh with the priorities of the American people, and no recognition of the real-world economics of telecommunications networks.

"As Congress looks to update our telecom laws, it is critical that policymakers and regulators recognize the effects of their decisions on consumers everywhere," stated Coalition Representative John Rose, president of OPASTCO. "There is too much at stake for individual consumers and businesses throughout our country who depend on the integrity of our telecommunications networks."

Click here for a copy of the two-page analysis. (PDF 67.8 KB)

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The Coalition to Keep America Connected is dedicated to ensuring that all consumers have access to affordable telecommunications services and the latest technologies-no matter where they live. The effort is organized by four rural telecom associations, whose memberships include 700 small and midsize communications companies. Together these companies serve millions of consumers and 40% of the landmass across America. Visit us at www.keepamericaconnected.org.