For these reasons, NTCA is urging the FCC to provide sufficient funding to cover both the severe budget shortfall on the non-model side (especially the early years of implementing these reforms) and to satisfy the demand for model-based support needed over ten years to enable the expansion of broadband. Without sufficient funding for both, the promise of these reforms – affordable standalone broadband and greater broadband deployment – will remain unfulfilled for millions of rural consumers.”

Excerpt from a Tuesday blog posting of NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield expressing concerns regarding federal funding for the high-cost Universal Service program. Last week the FCC’s Wireline Bureau announced that nationally, 216 rate-of-return telcos (5 PTA Member Companies), had elected to receive funding under the Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM).