CCA Mobilizes Members for Capitol Hill Day, Advocating Key Policy Priorities
CCA Mobilizes Members for Capitol Hill Day, Advocating Key Policy Priorities
Congressman Bob Latta and Senator Ben Ray Luján Discuss Competition and Connectivity with Mobile Carriers
Opening remarks were given by Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH-05), left, and Tim Donovan, CCA President and CEONew Paragraph
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, on July 12, 2023, Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) members from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. for a one-day congressional fly-in event, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting competitive wireless carriers.
CCA’s Capitol Hill Day serves as an opportunity for CCA members to unite their voices and advocate for policies that will strengthen competition, promote innovation, and improve connectivity nationwide – all for the benefit of consumers.
Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH-05) and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) were among those who gave remarks to CCA members, who attended over 50 meetings, garnering support for the following key policy priorities:
Spectrum Access: The availability of low-, mid-, and high-band spectrum – for all carriers – is crucial for the success and expansion of wireless networks. Urgent attention is required as the lapse in the FCC's spectrum auction authority poses a risk to U.S. wireless competitiveness, and CCA called on Congress to immediately reauthorize the FCC's spectrum auction authority and establish a "spectrum pipeline" for additional spectrum, especially mid- and low-band frequencies.
Secure Networks: CCA continued to push for full funding for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program to address the $3.08 billion shortfall. Failure to secure adequate funding threatens the security and availability of advanced communication services across the country and will detrimentally impact affected carriers, the consumers they serve, and the millions that roam on their networks.
Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): CCA members rely on the USF to deploy, preserve, and upgrade wireless networks in underserved areas. Both USF and ACP work to ensure equitable access to fixed and mobile services in both urban and rural regions.
Other issues also included technological neutrality surrounding federal funding for broadband connectivity; permitting and siting reform at federal, state, and local levels; and tax policy for research and development costs and bonus depreciation.
“Participating in CCA's Capitol Hill Day was a powerful experience that allowed us to directly engage with policymakers and advocate for the policies that matter most to our industry and company,” said Mark Nazé, Cellcom Strategic Projects Officer and Director and CCA Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Spectrum access, secure networks, and programs to bridge the digital divide are critically important to ensuring all Americans have access to reliable and affordable wireless connectivity, regardless of where they live, work, or travel, and we look forward to continued conversations to ensure competitive carriers can continue to compete and thrive and provide the best services possible to their customers, particularly in areas often left behind by the largest carriers."
Tim Donovan, CCA’s President and CEO said, “Today's Capitol Hill Day provides a critical opportunity for CCA members to come together and advocate for policies that will shape the future of the wireless telecommunications industry. I thank all CCA members who joined these important meetings to discuss the need for spectrum access, secure networks, improved connectivity programs, technological neutrality, permitting and siting reform, tax relief, and more. CCA remains committed to fostering a competitive environment that promotes innovation, expands connectivity, and ensures that all Americans can access ubiquitous connectivity.”
For more information about CCA and its policy priorities, please visit ccamobile.org.
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About Competitive Carriers Association
Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the leading association for competitive wireless providers and stakeholders across the United States. Members range from small, rural carriers serving fewer than 5,000 customers to regional and nationwide providers serving millions of customers, as well as vendors and suppliers that provide products and services throughout the wireless communications ecosystem.
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