PITTSBURGH, May 16, 2013 – American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission’s order on the proposed process for challenging Connect America Fund II support to broadband providers:
“ACA commends the FCC for proposing a challenge process that is fair for unsubsidized broadband competitors, which in many cases will be ACA Members. In doing so, the FCC is following through on its policy to avoid providing government support in areas where an unsubsidized broadband provider is already offering service.
“The FCC’s approach is particularly reasonable because it establishes a presumption that cable operators shown on the National Broadband Map to be offering broadband speeds of 3 Mbps/768 kbps in a census block and also offering voice service in that area satisfy the FCC’s other non-speed criteria for deeming an area as served. Price cap carriers then appropriately have the burden to prove that the cable operator’s service does not meet at least one of these criteria.
“ACA is also pleased that the FCC will use a simple standardized form, which will minimize the burden on smaller providers that either wish to declare they are serving an area deemed unserved on the National Broadband Map or need to respond to a challenge by a price cap carrier. This approach will lessen any advantage that large price cap carriers with a strong Washington, D.C., presence might have over a small unsubsidized provider that has little regulatory support.”
About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing about 850 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for more than 7 million cable subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA’s members work together to advance the interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their business. For more information, visit https://acaconnects.org/