PITTSBURGH, February 23, 2017 – American Cable Association President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s vote to adopt a Connect America Fund weighting methodology that largely tracked with ACA’s recommendations:
“With today’s action to adopt a weighting methodology for the Connect America Fund (CAF) Phase II auction, ACA believes the FCC took a positive step to bring robust broadband service to unserved areas, using “universal service” funds more cost effectively. Throughout the process, ACA urged the FCC to adopt a technology and competitively neutral methodology that would maximize participation by providers using any technology and thereby result in the most cost effective distribution of support and the provision of the best broadband possible. Moreover, ACA, alone among the interested parties, submitted to the FCC detailed analysis about how to construct such a weighting methodology. The FCC appears to have taken ACA’s analysis to heart and ACA appreciates that consideration. ACA looks forward to working with the FCC as it continues to develop rules for the CAF reverse auction process.”
About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing nearly 750 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for nearly 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/