Today, in letters to leadership of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, Competitive Carriers Association (“CCA”) joined eight other industry associations to urge Congress to provide the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC” or “Commission”) with additional funding for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (“Reimbursement Program”). The FCC-reported gross cost estimate demand of $5.6 billion is significantly higher than the congressionally appropriated $1.9 billion, and additional funding is needed to help ensure affected carriers can successfully update their networks.
“CCA shares Congress’ passion for ensuring our nation’s communications networks are secure; this remains a national security imperative," said CCA President & CEO Steven K. Berry. “However, the $1.9 billion appropriated for the Reimbursement Program is significantly lower than the FCC’s reported gross cost estimate demand of $5.6 billion. The Reimbursement Program is critically important, especially for smaller competitive carriers, and policymakers must ensure the program is fully funded to keep rural America connected as affected carriers transition their networks.”
“The very fact that nine trade associations have come together should send a clear message that there is a real need for action on this issue. We cannot risk the potentially devastating impacts on both the affected carriers, and more importantly, consumers, that may result if adequate reimbursement funding is not available. I thank Congress for its work on this issue and respectfully urge Congress to allot additional funds needed to secure our country’s 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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