NTCA Seeks USF Reform Schedule, FCC Budget Management as Model Choices Made
NTCA asked the FCC to set a clear implementation schedule for its USF overhaul order transitioning rate-of-return carriers from voice to broadband-oriented support in two mechanisms, including a new option based on a broadband cost model (see 1603300065). The schedule…
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should "enable all reforms (model and non-model) to take effect at approximately the same time to the extent possible, and to provide carriers with sufficient estimates, calculations, and other data in advance of any implementation deadlines to help inform" their upcoming USF support elections, said the rural telco group in a filing Wednesday on a meeting with an aide to Commissioner Ajit Pai in docket 10-90; it also met separately with Wireline Bureau officials: "NTCA noted the importance of providing data or analyses that would allow carriers to estimate, if not completely ascertain, the impacts of reforms still being implemented -- specifically: (1) the new operating expense limits; (2) the competitive overlap rule; (3) any new buildout obligations; (4) the budget control as it might apply in 2017, and (5) the new capital investment allowance governing recovery of prospective investments." NTCA continues to believe questions of USF support sufficiency, rural-urban service/rate comparability and intrastate cost recovery need to be addressed in its petition to reconsider/clarify the March 31 FCC order, but it said the most urgent priority is for budget management in the event some carriers elect and then decline model support It's "essential" the model elections be carried out in a way that does "not leave non-model carriers with insufficient support by penalizing those carriers that did not elect the model for the choices of those that expressed initial interest in the model but then 'backed out of' a final election," it said.