RCA Continues Call for Meaningful USF Reform

CEO Steven K. Berry: Despite today’s appellate court decision,RCA will continue efforts to ease customers’ burdens

Washington, DC – Rural Cellular Association Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Steven K. Berry issued the following statement concerning today’s appellate court ruling which upheld the FCC’s decision to limit subsidies to rural wireless phone companies:

“RCA would not have brought this case unless we were certain that the FCC’s actions violated the Act and the Commission’s own universal service principles. The Court’s decision to give the FCC a heightened level of deference proved a bridge too far, but it does not change RCA's view on the merits.

“It’s ironic the court decision comes with the coincidental announcement that the USF contribution factor will rise to 14.1% in the first quarter of 2010; this confirms our view that wireless carriers – which are capped – are not driving fund growth.

“RCA is encouraged that the new Commission is committed to universal service reform that is competitively neutral, as are draft bills circulating in Congress. RCA will continue its advocacy to ensure that rural consumers receive access to high-quality and advanced services that they deserve. We look forward to working with lawmakers and the FCC to bring meaningful reform to USF and ease the burden of our customers.”