Cantwell, Washington State Delegation Push FCC for Fairer Access to Rural Broadband

Statement

In a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Federal Communications Commission, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) pushed for more robust, efficient and cost effective broadband. Cantwell was joined by all 11 other members of Congress representing Washington state.

The letter expresses concerns for potentially negative impacts of the FCC's implementation of the Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM), which estimates the cost of building infrastructure for rural broadband providers, including areas of Washington state. The delegation urged the FCC to adopt a fairer model that incorporates input from smaller broadband companies as well as recognizes the unique characteristics of these companies in order to ensure they can continue investment in the delivery of quality broadband to rural areas.

"We support the goal of developing robust broadband capable networks in rural America, including rural Washington. Such broadband capable networks are the key to economic development and commerce in our rural, agricultural areas," the delegation wrote in the letter. "We ask that the Commission invest sufficient time and care to be sure any new system for new investment be accurate, cost-beneficial, and that the details be fully vetted and transparent."

Robust broadband is vital to our nation's economic development, particularly in rural communities where reliable broadband networks are key to market access and expanding economic growth. Small broadband providers often serve rural communities and populations most in need of connectivity, yet can face the highest costs for delivery. The current A-CAM cost model does not adequately incorporate the input of smaller providers and is unduly burdensome to such providers. Under the current proposed model, Washington's rural providers are projected to lose more than $4 million in universal service support compared with last year's levels.

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