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FCC’s 5G Fund Draft Presents False Choice in Path to Bring Critical Mobile Broadband Services to Areas Still In Need
Apr 03, 2020
Washington, DC - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) released a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for it 5G Fund, which offers two options for distributing up to $9 billion in funding to help bring 5G to rural communities. In Option A, the FCC would conduct the 5G Fund Phase I auction in 2021 using currently available flawed data, and in Option B, the Commission would conduct the Phase I auction after the FCC develops more granular mobile broadband data in an exceeding lengthy fashion. Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) appreciates the FCC’s focus on deploying 5G in areas still in need, but is very concerned that the two options set up a false dichotomy and will not efficiently and effectively advance deployment of broadband services that are so desperately needed across the country.
In a statement, CCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry said, “I appreciate the Commission’s focus on ensuring every American has access to robust mobile broadband services and for a dedicated $9 billion for mobile service in rural America; however, I am extremely discouraged by the two options the Commission has proposed. The draft proposal sets up a false choice between, on the one hand, updating the FCC’s maps in line with the recently-enacted Broadband DATA Act but delaying funding for several years, and, on the other hand, moving forward using the flawed coverage data, simply for the sake of moving forward quickly. But these are plainly not the only options, nor the best options; there is no reason why the FCC cannot follow the law that Congress mandated and distribute needed funding in a timely manner, with accurate data. We should not be limiting ourselves to two inadequate options, but rather looking for real solutions to deploy mobile broadband as quickly as possible.”
“Everyday life has changed dramatically in just the past month, and millions of Americans are depending on broadband connections to access healthcare, family members, educational resources, and more. In the months and years ahead, millions of Americans, especially in rural America, risk being left behind if these resources are not appropriately targeted, and the FCC should move forward expeditiously to update their data collection in line with the parameters contained in the Broadband DATA Act, as directed by Congress. I can think of no more critical time to ensure rural Americans have a plan over the next decade to access essential mobile broadband services, and I strongly encourage the Commission to revisit its draft proposal, which falls woefully short of achieving this important goal.”
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Statement by CCA President & CEO Tim Donovan on Release of “Spectrum and National Security Act of 2024”
Washington, D.C. – Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan made the following statement: “CCA commends U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chairman Bob Latta (R-OH), Vice Chair Randy Weber (R-TX), and Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) for leading a letter to Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel regarding the 5G Fund. We thank the additional eight Members of Congress who joined them. The importance of getting the 5G Fund right for rural America cannot be overstated. This program will replace key components of the High-Cost Fund and become the only federal funding program focused on mobility. It will determine if rural Americans maintain mobile services and gain access to ubiquitous 5G connectivity. As the Members of Congress stated, the ‘5G Fund should preserve and expand next-generation mobile wireless services in rural America’ because ‘[all] Americans deserve the opportunities that 5G service will bring to their lives.’ To do so, the FCC must recognize the criticality of leveraging BEAD-funded fiber and fixed wireless projects and basing eligibility and funding decisions on accurate mapping data. Otherwise, rural areas will be left behind and will miss out on vital connectivity opportunities – or worse, lose access to coverage available today only because of USF support. CCA will continue work with Congress and the FCC to maximize the reach and efficiency of the 5G Fund and to ensure that the data used for 5G Fund decisions is the highest quality possible.” A link to the letter can be found here. 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.