ACA: FCC Should Reject Unsupported Efforts Of Price Cap Carriers To Modify Connect America Fund Rules

The American Cable Association urged the Federal Communications Commission to reject efforts of large telephone companies (Price Cap Local Exchange Carriers) to modify the Connect America Fund (CAF) rules because their proposals would most likely fail to advance the program's goal of deploying broadband networks in areas most in need. At the same time, their proposals would provide them with excess support, which they could use in areas served by competitors.

"ACA combed through the Price Cap LEC comments searching for data providing sufficient support for their proposals to expand the areas eligible for Phase I incremental support or use of support for second-mile fiber and found none, "ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka said. "Their proposed wholesale expansion of eligible areas from 768/200 Mbps broadband service to those lacking 4/1 Mbps is not supported by the data."

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For more ACA News visit the Newsroom on the ACA Website.

Across this vast country, small and rural markets participate in the digital revolution by receiving video, broadband, and phone services from nearly 850 small and medium-sized independent operators represented by the American Cable Association (ACA).

ACA’s members -- cable, phone, and fiber-to-the-home operators and municipalities -- deliver affordable basic and advanced services to about 7.4 million households and businesses. ACA members operate in every state, offering high-definition television, next generation Internet access, and digital phone service.

Access to advanced communications is not a luxury but a critical necessity for consumers and companies, schools and hospitals. America’s economic prosperity in smaller markets and rural areas depends on the growth and success of ACA members, who believe a connected nation, is a united nation.

The ACA asks lawmakers and regulators to ensure fair treatment so that small and medium-sized independent operators may continue to supply affordable video, broadband, and phone services to Main Street America. Through active participation in the policymaking process, ACA members and leaders advocate for the interests of their customers, their companies, and their communities to help ensure the continued viability of their way of life in hometown America.

For more information, visit www.americancable.org, or contact:

• Ted Hearn, VP Communications
  (202) 713-0826 | thearn@americancable.org
• Ross Lieberman, VP Government Affairs
  (202) 494-5661 | rlieberman@americancable.org

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