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CCA Testifies on Legislation Designed to Strengthen and Expand Communications Networks Spectrum, Infrastructure, and USF Are Key to Closing the Digital Divide
October 6, 2021
Washington, DC – Today, Tim Donovan, SVP of Legislative Affairs for Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) testified before the House Committee on Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology in its hearing entitled, “Strengthening our Communications Networks to Meet the Needs of Consumers.” CCA commends the Subcommittee for holding the hearing and for its work on several important telecom-centric bills relating to spectrum access, broadband deployment, and the Universal Service Fund.
During testimony, Donovan said, “I thank Chairman Doyle, Republican Leader Latta, and Members of the Subcommittee for holding today’s hearing. As Congress works toward the bipartisan goal of closing the digital divide, I urge policymakers to focus on three key components – spectrum, infrastructure, and Universal Service Fund (USF) support – to help make that goal a reality.”
“Carriers must have access to critical spectrum resources to meet consumer demand and prepare for continued growth in 5G services in the years ahead. Reallocating valuable mid-band spectrum for commercial use and improving the coordination process will certainly benefit carriers, but more importantly consumers. In addition to spectrum access, carriers also must deploy, maintain, and upgrade physical infrastructure, and it is more important than ever that policies to review applications and permit projects are reasonable and consistent.”
“Finally, USF support continues to provide vital resources not only for rural and high-cost areas but also for low-income Americans, rural health care, and educational programs. Work is well underway at the FCC to collect reliable data, as directed in the bipartisan Broadband DATA Act, and I encourage Congress to exercise oversight of USF to ensure that universal service mandates are met. I again thank the Subcommittee for their focus on these issues and look forward to working together on policies to help strengthen our communications networks.”
About CCA
CCA is the nation’s 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. Visit www.ccamobile.org.
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Washington, D.C. – Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) members from across the country convened in Washington, D.C. on February 12 for an annual advocacy fly-in event. CCA’s Capitol Hill Day serves as an opportunity for rural, regional, and nationwide wireless and communications industry leaders to unite and advocate for policies that will strengthen competition, promote innovation, and improve connectivity for the benefit of all consumers. CCA was pleased to welcome Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman John Joyce (R-PA), as keynote speaker. CCA members met directly with lawmakers and key Congressional staff to discuss how Congress can support competitive carriers in the 119 th Congress. CCA members stressed the critical importance of preserving the Universal Service Fund (USF) for expanding and maintaining networks to serve high-cost areas, and for reliable 5G coverage data mapping that accurately reflects consumers’ mobile experiences. Members also urged Congress to prioritize spectrum access in rural America by reinstating the FCC’s auction authority and developing a long-term spectrum strategy including identifying underutilized bands for commercial use and optimizing the efficiency of existing spectrum resources. Members also highlighted the need for infrastructure reform to overcome deployment barriers, advocating for streamlined federal permitting and siting policies, clear federal guidance on network security while ensuring compliance burdens are manageable for smaller carriers, and tax policies that encourage investment in connectivity, including R&D tax credits and tax exemptions for broadband funding programs and spectrum licenses. “CCA is an extremely effective advocacy organization and represents our members’ collective voices in performing the important work of deploying our nation’s critical communications networks,” said Maureen McCabe Moore, SVP and Chief Customer Experience Officer, GCI Communications Corp., and Chair of the Board, CCA. “We seek to shape policies that promote fairness, drive innovation, and ensure that every American has access to cutting-edge connectivity.” Tim Donovan, CCA’s President and CEO, added, “Our advocacy efforts are only possible because of the dedication and engagement of our members, who work tirelessly to expand connectivity across the country. Together, we are ensuring that all Americans, regardless of location, can stay connected in today’s digital world.” For more information about CCA and its policy priorities, please visit ccamobile.org . ### About Competitive Carriers Association Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the leading association for competitive communications service 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, as well as vendors and suppliers delivering products and services throughout the communications ecosystem.
Washington, D.C. – Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan made the following statement: “CCA congratulates Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) on being named Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Senator Cruz has been dedicated to fostering growth, innovation, and U.S. leadership in the telecommunications marketplace, including in rural America. We look forward to continued collaboration with him and the entire Commerce Committee to preserve and expand connectivity nationwide for all Americans.” For more information about CCA and its policy priorities, please visit ccamobile.org . ### About Competitive Carriers Association Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) is the leading association for competitive communications service 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, as well as vendors and suppliers delivering products and services throughout the communications ecosystem.