COMPANIES OFFER FCC BROADBAND PLAN IDEAS ON USF, INTERCARRIER COMP

摘要

The Telecommunications Industry Association asked the FCC to remake the Universal ServicenFund into a broadband fund. The suggestion came in comments on USF and intercarrierncompensation issues for the National Broadband Plan. Five midsized incumbent telcos offeredna proposal for revamping how both matters are handled. FCC and industry officials said theynexpect the plan to pave the way for rulemaking notices on changes in universal service andnintercarrier compensation. TIA said Section 254 of the Communications Act says residents ofnhigh-cost areas should receive service "reasonably comparable to those services provided innurban areas," at prices "reasonably comparable to rates charged for similar services in urbannareas." Danielle Coffey, the association's vice president for government affairs, said, "If thenCommission is to fulfill this goal, it should permit support for the deployment and operation ofnnew broadband networks, as well as the upgrade of broadband service in areas where it is notnreasonably comparable to urban areas."