Washington, D.C., June 5, 2006 -- A coalition comprised of groups representing millions of rural consumers today welcomed efforts by the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to shore up the federal fund used to provide fair and affordable access to telecommunications service. The Coalition to Keep America Connected stated the interim proposal being promoted by Chairman Kevin Martin is a good first step to stabilize the federal universal service fund (USF) and a way to give the commission time to craft a more comprehensive plan.
The proposal under consideration would require voice over the internet (VoIP) providers to contribute into the federal universal service fund and would raise the amount wireless providers currently pay. 'Chairman Martin understands that without the underlying wireline network advanced service offerings like VoIP and most wireless traffic would not work,' said Lisa Zaina, coalition representative and executive director of the Independent Telephone and Telecommunications Alliance (ITTA). 'The fact that the FCC recognizes that wireless, VoIP and cable digital voice providers have a responsibility to pay for the network and a social obligation to preserve the USF program should be welcome news not only to rural customers who rely on the fund but for all Americans that benefit from a ubiquitous network,' Zaina said.
The coalition noted that some voice over the internet companies have stated publicly that they should pay into the universal service fund and this item simply extends that requirement. The coalition stated that the interim plan continues to allow wireless carriers to demonstrate to the FCC that their contribution share could be less if they can make the case to the Commission or take the 'safe harbor.' The coalition noted that the current USF assessment on digital subscriber lines is set to expire in August and according to the coalition, the net effect on most VoIP customers would remain about the same.
'We look forward to working with the chairman and the rest of the commission as they develop this proposal,' Zaina added. 'We're hopeful they will move quickly and approve this item.'
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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.
