Transitioning Today's Rural Access & USF Mechanisms to Broadband

On October 29, representatives of NECA met with Federal Communications Commissions staff to discuss the National Broadband Plan. NECA proposed a framework that would allow a consumer-driven, market-oriented transition from today's voice-centric regulatory mechanisms to ones specifically designed to support broadband deployment and adoption in rural America. NECA said the National Broadband plan should: 1) define the "Rural Broadband Network;" 2) establish key policy elements for a High Cost Broadband Universal Service Fund; 3) include a smooth, market-driven transition from existing support mechanisms to a new high-cost broadband fund; 4) allow Rural Broadband Network Providers flexibility to meet customer needs; 5) help small providers make services available in rural areas; and 6) address reforms of the intercarrier compensation system. The FCC formed NECA in 1983 to perform telephone industry tariff filings and revenue distributions following the breakup of AT&T. NECA administers the FCC's access charge plan.