RWA advocates before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Congress on behalf of its members.
From Alaska to Alabama, RWA is dedicated to supporting our member companies in their efforts to extend wireless coverage to our rural communities through our innovative advocacy. Our devoted team of legal and regulatory experts ensures our carrier members have a voice in Washington.
The RWA Advocacy Team:
- Secured a 15% rural service provider bidding credit for the 600 MHz Auction, and formulated and structured the 600 MHz auction for a successful outcome by rightsizing license areas and preventing package bidding.
- Participates in the CAF Phase II proceeding to ensure wireless broadband providers are funded.
- Continues to be deeply involved in the Mobility Fund Phase II proceeding to ensure that rural wireless companies can meet both capex and opex for LTE buildout.
- Files dozens of pleadings, comments and ex partes each year covering issues that impact rural wireless carriers including Universal Service/Mobility Fund/CAF; Spectrum Auctions; Fair and Reasonable Roaming Access to Devices; Unfair Competition.
- Works to ensure that rural wireless companies secure fair and reasonable roaming agreements.
- Ensuring that the FCC fairly addresses the 700 MHz buildout rules, so the spectrum is not warehoused by licensees unwilling to build wireless networks in rural and remote areas.
Snail-paced Rip and Replace Reimbursement Program Continues to Frustrate RWA
Congress, the FCC, and the Fund Administrator continue to drag their feet with respect to the Secure Networks Act Reimbursement Program (aka the Rip and Replace of Huawei and ZTE equipment) as demonstrated by the [...]
Carr Speaks About USF Contributions, Auction Authority, Workforce, and SCS at Rural Wireless Infrastructure Summit
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr addressed attendees of the 2023 Rural Wireless Infrastructure Summit in a fireside chat moderated by Rural Wireless Association (RWA) General Counsel Carri Bennet. Commissioner Carr discussed proposed changes to the Universal [...]
Commissioner Simington Highlights Cybersecurity and National Security Issues in Address at RWA Summit
At the Rural Wireless Infrastructure Summit today, FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington spoke to attendees, highlighting key cybersecurity and national security issues that need to be addressed. Specifically, Commissioner Simington noted the serious threats that devices [...]
RWA Immensely Disappointed to See Gigi Sohn Withdraw Her Nomination to the FCC
Washington, D.C. - The Rural Wireless Association is extremely disappointed to see Gigi Sohn withdraw her nomination to serve as an FCC Commissioner. RWA has continued to express its support for Ms. Sohn’s nomination due to [...]