Would Maximize Resources and Reduce Risk of Overbuilding
April 9, 2024—To ensure federal resources are spent effectively to close the broadband connectivity gap, ACA Connects is urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to delay the 5G Fund Auction until Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) funds are awarded.
In an ex parte letter to the FCC, ACA Connects Chief Regulatory Counsel Brian Hurley wrote:
“Targeted government subsidies have a critical role to play in [ connecting unserved and underserved communities], but the Commission should also ensure that its high-cost programs operate efficiently, including by coordinating them with programs administered by other agencies. To that end, we join other commenters in urging the Commission to delay the 5G Fund Auction until States and Territories have awarded Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (‘BEAD’) Program funds for broadband deployment projects.
“Not only will this maximize use of both BEAD Program and 5G Fund support, it will ensure government agencies spend their funds most efficiently and avoid duplication.”
FCC Ex Parte re Establishing the 5G Fund for Rural America
Published April 8, 2024
About ACA Connects: America’s Communications Association –America’s Communications Association – ACA Connects is a trade organization representing more than 500 smaller and medium-sized, independent companies that provide broadband, video, and phone services covering 31.9 million households, 7.3 million of which are located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. ACA Connects Members operate in every state, providing advanced communications to connect homes, companies, main street, schools, hospitals and more. America’s economic prosperity in smaller communities and rural areas depends on the growth and success of ACA Connects Members, who believe a connected nation is a prosperous nation.