The Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, the Wireless Infrastructure Association, and NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, joined five other industry trade groups to urge Congress to provide the FCC with additional funding for the Rip & Replace reimbursement fund.
The FCC-reported gross cost estimate demand of $5.6 billion is significantly higher than the congressionally appropriated $1.9 billion, Inside Towers reported, and additional money is needed to help ensure impacted carriers can successfully update their networks.
“Barring further resources, the FCC will be forced to implement prorating available funding using the prioritization process directed by Congress,” said the trade associations in letters to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.
“CCA shares Congress’ passion for ensuring our nation’s communications networks are secure; this remains a national security imperative,” said CCA President/CEO Steve Berry. Noting the funding shortfall, Berry called the reimbursement fund “critically important, especially for smaller competitive carriers.”
“The very fact that nine trade associations have come together should send a clear message that there is a real need for action on this issue. We cannot risk the potentially devastating impacts on both the affected carriers, and more importantly, consumers, that may result if adequate reimbursement funding is not available,” noted Berry.
NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, the Rural Wireless Association, Telecommunications Industry Association, WTA-Advocates for Rural Broadband and ACA Connects-America’s Communications Association also signed the letters.
Reader Interactions