Forward-Looking Order Permits ACA Connects Members To Use Relocation Funds On Fiber Delivery Solutions
For Immediate Release
Contact: Ted Hearn
(202) 713-0826
[email protected]
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 28, 2020 – ACA Connects (ACAC) President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement following the Federal Communications Commission’s adoption of a Report and Order to repurpose 280 MHz of the C-band for 5G use in a manner that ensures the continued, uninterrupted delivery of services currently offered in the C-Band:
“ACA Connects praises Chairman Pai and the FCC on the adoption of an Order today that strikes an appropriate balance between clearing a large portion of the C-Band for 5G use and protecting incumbent users of the spectrum. This proceeding turned out to be one of the most challenging undertakings of any FCC Chairman’s tenure, and Chairman Pai and his team proved once again they know how to get things done.
“Representing more than 700 providers who depend on the C-Band to provide pay-TV services to millions on consumers in smaller markets and rural areas, ACA Connects has been among the most active participants in this proceeding from the very beginning.
“We’re very pleased with the outcome. The FCC’s plan is consistent with the core objectives of ACA Connects’ advocacy throughout this proceeding, incorporating key aspects of the ACA Connects Coalition’s groundbreaking 5G Plus Plan, which served as the primary alternative to the satellite industry’s at-the-time leading, but now defunct, plan, and shone a path to today’s solution.
“Like the 5G Plus plan, the final Order repurposes a significant amount of C-Band spectrum. It relies on a transparent FCC-led auction that will provide billions in revenue to the U.S. Treasury. Most important to ACA Connects members, the Order allows relocation funds to be used by pay-TV providers on fiber delivery solutions, which is consistent with the future needs of these operators, 5G carriers, and the public.
“Moreover, for those ACA Connects members who elect to continue to rely on the C-Band for video transport services, the Order provides strong rights and protections — ultimately governed by the FCC — to ensure these users will be able to provide the same service to their customers after the transition as they are able to provide today, without any interruptions.”
“Much remains to be done, by the FCC, and the stakeholders alike. ACA Connects and its members are ready to do their part to make sure this transition is done quickly and done well.”