Executive Order Will Speed Deployment of Broadband, Especially into High Cost Areas
Pittsburgh, June 14, 2012 – ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement after President Obama signed a new executive order requiring federal agencies to develop new uniform policies and prac-tices for accessing the federal government’s assets for the purpose of broadband deployment:
“In the last decade, ACA members have been aggressively deploying broadband in smaller markets and rural areas, and these operators are continuously looking to make further investments in unserved and underserved areas. How-ever, these opportunities for broadband deployment are far too often delayed or derailed because of the inability of ACA members to receive necessary or timely rights of way on reasonable terms, including over federal land,” Polka said.
“The Executive Order signed by the President directs the federal agencies to facilitate access to federal land and facili-ties, which should stimulate broadband deployment by ACA members and help to strengthen the economy through increased private investment and job creation.
“ACA is also especially pleased with the Executive Order’s ‘dig once’ provision, which was based on a National Broadband Plan recommendation and a bill introduced by Congressman Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.). ACA has long been a supporter of Rep. Eshoo’s broadband deployment bill because it reduces the cost of laying fiber-optic lines for ACA members, and makes more efficient use of scarce road-construction dollars provided by taxpayers. As I’ve said be-fore, it’s a true win-win for industry and the American public. We’re glad to see this concept incorporated in the Ex-ecutive Order.”
About the American Cable Association
Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing nearly 850 smaller and me-dium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for more than 7.4 million cable subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. Through active participation in the regula-tory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA’s members work together to advance the interests of their cus-tomers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their business. For more information, visit https://acaconnects.org