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COVID Relief Package Includes $7 Billion for Broadband
Dec 22, 2020
Late yesterday, both the Senate and House of Representatives voted to approve the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which includes $7 billion for broadband initiatives in the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021. Specifically, the supplemental appropriation includes $65 million to improve broadband data mapping and implement the Broadband DATA Act; $1.9 billion to fully fund the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program; $3.2 billion for low-income broadband access through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission); and $1.3 billion dedicated to broadband grants through the Department of Commerce, including $1 billion for tribal broadband connectivity, among other broadband provisions. Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) applauds Congress for passing this vital legislation and for including funding for broadband services, especially during one of the most challenging times in the nation’s history.
“I commend the House and Senate for passing the COVID Relief and Omnibus Appropriations Package, and particularly for including funds for essential broadband services,” said CCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry. “This is a giant step in the right direction. The COVID-19 pandemic has only highlighted the need to ensure that every American, including those in remote and rural areas, have access to mobile broadband services, and CCA has been laser-focused on this issue from the beginning. Including $65 million to implement the Broadband DATA Act is key to producing more accurate broadband data maps, so that areas in need have access to critical funds.”
“I cannot stress enough the significance of fully funding the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program. Carriers with covered network elements now have the assurance they need to move forward with replacing necessary equipment, while still being able to provide seamless coverage to their customers. As with broadband data mapping, CCA has been working incredibly closely with Members of Congress and the FCC on the supply chain issue, and Congress’ decision today is a huge positive for affected carriers.”
“Dedicated funds for broadband mapping, the supply chain reimbursement, low-income broadband, tribal lands and other broadband programs are key to improving the lives of Americans across the country, especially those in rural areas. It certainly has been a challenging year for everyone, and I thank Congress for recognizing the importance of broadband, which is keeping us connected and businesses running during these trying times.”
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Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan made the following statement on FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s recent update to Congress emphasizing the urgent need for Congress to fully fund the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (Program) to prevent network failures and catastrophic service reductions and protect the security of domestic communications: “CCA thanks Chairwoman Rosenworcel for highlighting the critical need for Congress to make up the $3.08 billion shortfall in the Program’s funding. The urgency of the Chairwoman’s letter highlights the dire necessity to secure our nation's communications infrastructure and prevent network failures and service reductions impacting tens of millions of consumers. We urge Congress to seize the opportunity to include full Program funding in the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935).” ### About Competitive Carriers Association Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the leading association for competitive wireless providers and stakeholders across the United States. Members range from small, rural carriers serving fewer than 5,000 customers to regional and nationwide providers serving millions of customers, as well as vendors and suppliers that provide products and services throughout the wireless communications ecosystem.
Washington, D.C. – Today, eight trade associations led by CCA sent a letter to Senate leadership urging inclusion of S. Amdt. 1917 to the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935), offered by Senators Daines, Wicker, and Lummis. The associations urged Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to include the amendment which would immediately and fully fund the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (Program) at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Carriers participating in the Program cannot remove untrusted foreign communications equipment from their networks and replace it with trusted alternatives, while preventing a catastrophic loss of connectivity across America, without this funding. “Congress must provide full funding for the Program now. The situation is dire,” said Tim Donovan, CCA’s President and CEO. “This is the opportunity to fund the Program and avoid profound negative consequences to carriers and consumers across the nation. Customers of Program participants may lose connectivity entirely, tens of millions of customers that roam onto these networks will have their connectivity and access to emergency services and 9-1-1 reduced or eliminated, and Program participants may be forced to go out of business altogether. We must also ensure military bases, airports, and other areas of strategic importance remain connected. This amendment will prevent catastrophic losses in connectivity across America.” A link to the letter can be found here . An excerpt can be found below: The Program is a national security mandate created by Congress. For it to succeed, Congress must provide adequate funding immediately. While the United States has taken a leadership role internationally to mitigate the risks of untrusted communications equipment and services from companies connected to the Chinese government, work remains to eliminate that same risk in our own heartland. S. Amdt. 1917 is the solution to maintaining connectivity for millions across the United States, securing American networks from adversaries, and preserving the historic broadband investment Congress has made in rural communities. For more information about CCA and its policy priorities, please visit ccamobile.org. ### About Competitive Carriers Association Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the leading association for competitive wireless providers and stakeholders across the United States. Members range from small, rural carriers serving fewer than 5,000 customers to regional and nationwide providers serving millions of customers, as well as vendors and suppliers that provide products and services throughout the wireless communications ecosystem.