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.
Business Data Services Framework Must Address Backhaul
The FCC sought comment on new regulatory framework for Business Data Services. RWA's comments focus on the backhaul services aspect of the Business Data Services marketplace. As explained in the comments, this aspect is of critical [...]
Reply Comments Highlight Regulatory Burdens in Privacy NPRM
The FCC has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on proposed privacy rules for broadband providers. The NPRM is extremely detailed and, if adopted, would place significant regulatory burdens on broadband providers. RWA filed reply [...]
Broadband Privacy Comments Push for Rural-Friendly Modifications
If adopted, the FCC's proposed broadband privacy rules would place significant regulatory burdens on broadband providers. RWA seeks rural-friendly modifications to the proposed rules, including extension of rule implementation dates or exemption from certain rules [...]
Joint Network Resiliency Comments Emphasize Need for True Bilateral Roaming
RWA, along with NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association, provided input on the voluntary wireless network resiliency initiative which aims to promote wireless continuity during disasters and emergencies. The comments emphasize the need for fully [...]