NTCA Seeks USF Budget Control Mechanism Waiver

NTCA asked FCC Wireline Bureau staff to issue another waiver of the budget control mechanism for rural cost-based Connect America Fund broadband loop support and high-cost loop support recipients, said an ex parte posted Monday in docket 10-90 (see 2106030084). It "has become clear in recent years that a mix of increased investment and greater customer adoption of standalone broadband services has led to demand for support in excess of what was projected four years ago," the group said. NTCA said the "recurring budget control issues should prompt a more comprehensive review and resolution" and recommended opening a rulemaking to "consider enhancement and extension of [Alternative Connect America Cost Model (ACAM)] support." The rulemaking should address issues flagged in 2018 by the FCC and "ensure proper coordination and thoughtful consideration of whether any decisions made with respect to ACAM reform could have precedential impact on the CAF-BLS and HCLS mechanisms," it said.