Washington, D.C. – The Rural Telecommunications Group, Inc. (RTG), a trade association representing small, rural wireless carriers, applauds the approach to broadband regulation set forth in Chairman Genachowski’s public statements.

The “third way” approach described by Chairman Genachowski, which would subject Internet access services to Title II regulation subject to substantial forbearance, will level the regulatory playing field by subjecting broadband service providers to a similar regulatory scheme as commercial wireless carriers. Caressa Bennet, RTG’s General Counsel, stated, “The Third Way is technology neutral, creates a level playing field and will protect rural broadband consumers. The Commission’s approach will utilize the same regulatory scheme as currently applied to wireless carriers, a regulatory scheme that has allowed mobile services to flourish as never before, to the benefit of the entire U.S. economy. Forbearance from all Title II regulation but Sections 201, 202, 208, 222, 254 and 255 will give broadband providers the regulatory certainty they need to develop long terms plans without hindering them with unnecessary regulatory constraints.”

RTG looks forward to assisting the Commission with the development and implementation of its third way approach with an eye to having an unchallenged broadband regulatory structure in place as soon as possible.

About RTG

Headquartered in Washington, DC, RTG is a trade association representing rural wireless carriers who 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

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