WASHINGTON—The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association, which is holding its annual legislative and regulatory conference here this week, got a pep talk today from Rep. John Thune (R-S.D.), who encouraged the leaders of rural telephone companies to continue their battle to preserve universal-service subsidies.
“The order will make universal-service funds portable. The Federal Communications Commission is changing the rules to extend the eligibility of who receives universal-service funding to competitors of rural incumbent carriers to encourage competition. While competition is often desirable, I fear this expansion of universal-service funding will not provide sufficient funds to those incumbent carriers who honor their obligations to provide basic and essential service,” said Thune.
NTCA members will visit their congressional representatives on Tuesday and wrap up their conference on Wednesday with a session discussion on regulatory issues.
