Thune and Genachowski Exchange Commitments to Serving Rural Areas

In mid-October, Sen John Thune (R-SD) wrote Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski concerning access to broadband services in rural areas.

Sen Thune pointed out that both rural and non-rural carriers serve high-cost rural areas of the country, yet their Universal Service Fund (USF) distribution mechanisms are considerably different. "The result of this difference in USF methodologies is that some rural carriers are ineligible for high-cost USF support under the historic investment model and unable to elect to receive support under the forward looking cost model," Sen Thune wrote. He asked that the FCC consider the important role rural carriers play when deciding issues such as identical support rule, reverse auctions, and expanding USF to include broadband services.

Last month, Chairman Genachowski replied to Sen Thune assuring him that the FCC would be mindful of the importance of ensuring service to Americans living in rural areas.