RTG is pleased that the FCC is moving forward with comprehensive universal service fund (USF) and intercarrier compensation reform. The Commission’s commitment to technology neutral solutions and its acknowledgement of the power of mobile broadband to serve rural areas should be commended. “Life under the interim cap has not been interim and many small rural wireless carriers need support to build out 3G and 4G networks to meet President Obama’s goal of covering 98% of Americans with next generation wireless broadband ,” noted Carri Bennet, General Counsel for RTG. She added, “RTG is confident that the Commission’s plans will present many opportunities for small, rural wireless providers to build on their commitment to bring next generation wireless services to the rural communities they serve.”

RTG agrees with the FCC’s finding that in order to achieve the fundamental goals of universal service, the transition process must be a shared sacrifice. RTG’s members are familiar with the rural/rural divide and are working to ensure that unserved areas of the nation receive vital mobile services. RTG looks forward to working with the Commission and other stakeholders as we transition to the Connect America Fund.

About RTG – Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Rural Telecommunications Group is a trade association representing rural wireless carriers who each serve less than 100,000 subscribers. RTG’s members have joined together to speed delivery of new, efficient and innovative telecommunications technologies to remote and underserved communities. www.ruraltelecomgroup.org @RTGwireless