Coalition To Keep America Connected.

December 18, 2006, Washington, D.C. - Pointing to two key telecom issues that received strong bi-partisan support in the 109th Congress, the Coalition to Keep America Connected called on members of the Senate to communicate their support of the Universal Service Fund (USF) to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to ensure consumers are not adversely affected prior to the consideration of telecom reform legislation by the new Congress.

The coalition urged the action in a communication to supporters of S. 241, legislation that would have permanently exempted the universal service fund (USF) from provisions of the Anti-deficiency Act (ADA).

The coalition argued that the financial integrity of USF is threatened by the absence of such an exemption. Though the House and Senate bills garnered 118 and 55 co-sponsors, respectively, neither was enacted into law. The ADA exemption was part of the FY 07 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations measure, however.

The coalition urged the Senators to communicate their support for the USF-ADA exemption to the FCC and OMB, 'to ensure [they] understand the intent of Congress&and not take any preemptive action that would jeopardize the stability of the fund.'

In the same communication, the coalition asked the Senators to communicate their endorsement of a permanent prohibition of the implementation of a primary line restriction on USF support by the FCC.

'A primary line restriction would have a profound adverse economic impact on consumers and businesses located in the most rural parts of our nation,' the coalition said.

The FY 2007 CJS Appropriations measure includes language that permanently prohibits the FCC from implementing the restriction on USF support. 'Clearly, Congress opposes any measure to limit USF support to a primary line,' the coalition concluded.

Click here for a copy of the coalition's communication.

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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.