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LIVES
NEW FCC LEADERSHIP BRINGS
OPTIMISM TO RURAL COOPERATIVES
The need for fiber deployment in rural areas
and the financial investment that process
requires are two hot topics on the national
level at the Federal Communications Com-
mission (FCC). Fortunately, there are reasons
for optimism as we plan for the future.
The new Chairman of the FCC is Ajit Pai, who
previously served as Commissioner. Chairman
Pai is from rural Kansas and understands the
challenges rural cooperatives like RTC face
in deploying state-of-the-art technology to
sparsely populated areas. He also recognizes
how important universal service is in that
endeavor.
As noted on the FCC website, “With a good
idea and a broadband connection, entre-
preneurs anywhere can compete in ways
unthinkable a generation ago.” Chairman Pai
has proposed a comprehensive plan to promote
broadband deployment to all Americans and
make it easier for broadband providers to retire
increasingly obsolete copper lines in favor of
next-generation technologies like fiber. Pai
also appears to be scrutinizing and stream-
lining many of the regulatory filings providers
including RTC are tasked with today.
As a cooperative and as a member of NTCA
– The Rural Broadband Association, RTC
will keep working to encourage FCC support
of fiber networks. They are needed to keep
pace with growing consumer and business
demand, and they help to foster economic
development and stimulate innovation in
rural areas.
STAND-ALONE BROADBAND
MAY BE ON THE HORIZON
An FCC reform order adopted in March 2016
provides Universal Service Fund (USF) sup-
port for stand-alone broadband purchased
without voice service. Stand-alone broadband
was just one element of the order, which had
the broader goal of helping to bring higher-
speed broadband to rural areas at rates that
are reasonably comparable with those in
urban areas. Under the plan, the FCC will
provide about $20 billion in support across
the nation over the next 10 years to enable
service providers in high-cost areas to provide
stand-alone broadband to consumers and
businesses.
RTC intends to offer stand-alone broadband
in the near future. We are currently working
through the details of how USF transitions to
stand-alone broadband.
WE FOCUS ON FIBER AND ON YOU
As RTC looks ahead to the future of com-
munications technology, we never lose sight
of the ultimate goal—helping our member-
owners and customers stay informed, con-
nected, secure, and entertained. Thanks for
your confidence in RTC and your continued
choice of us to be your provider. We pledge
to stay focused on meeting or exceeding your
expectations.
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