Universal Service
As a contributor to the federal universal service fund (USF), the cable industry shares the goal of many policymakers in transitioning the fund to a more modern, neutral, and forward-looking mechanism when it comes to voice services and, in a tailored fashion, to broadband. A fund like this would promote efficiency and competitive markets by targeting areas of the country where support is required to make telecommunications services more readily available.
Examining the Issue
Testimony
6/21/2006
NCTA VP Rick Cimerman before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Universal Service
Email this Document
Abstract: Richard Cimerman, Vice President, State Government Affairs, National Cable & Telecommunications Association: What are We Subsidizing and Why? Part 1: The High-Cost FundAttachment: Cimerman_USF_Testimony_06.21.06.pdf (30 KB)Publication Type: Testimony
2/28/2006
Midcontinent‘s Tom Simmons Testifies Before Senate Commerce Committee Regarding Universal Service Fund ContributionsEmail this Document
Abstract: Tom Simmons, Vice President of Public Policy for Midcontinent Communications, encourages Congress to adopt a “numbers-based” system for contributions to the Universal Service Fund, in testimony before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.Attachment: Simmons_USF_Testimony_2-28-06.pdf (22 KB)Publication Type: Testimony
Regulatory Filings
5/8/2009
NCTA Comments 05/08/09Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re: High-Cost Universal Service Support and Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, urging the Commission to develop an approach that reflects marketplace and regulatory realities; WC Docket No. 05-337, CC Docket No. 96-45Attachment: 050809 05-337 96-45 comments.pdf (53 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
11/26/2008
NCTA Comments 11/26/08Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re: Intercarrier Compensation, urging the Commission to adopt the draft item; WC Docket No. 05-337 and 8 other dockets.Attachment: 112608 05-337 Comments.pdf (94 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
10/28/2008
NCTA Ex Parte 10/28/08Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Ex Parte re: Developing a Unifed Intercarrier Compensation Regime, CC Docket No. 01-92, High-Cost Universal Service Support, WC Docket 05-337, IP-Enabled Services, WC Docket No. 04-36, letter from Kyle McSlarrow to Chairman Martin addressing the unified compensation regime.Attachment: 102808 01-92 05-337 04-36 letter.pdf (60 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
10/27/2008
NCTA ExParte #2 10/27/08Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Ex Parte re: Developing a Unified Intercarrier Compensation Regime, CC Docket No. 01-92, High-Cost Universal Service Support, WC Docket No. 05-337, and IP-Enabled Services, WC Docket No. 04-36, from Kyle McSlarrow to Chairman Martin addressing the proposal by AT&T/Verizon.Attachment: 102708 01-92 05-337 04-36 exp.pdf (48 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
4/17/2008
NCTA Comments 04/17/08Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re: Using Auctions to Determine Universal Service High Cost Support, encouraging the FCC to take steps to reduce the size of the Universal Service Fund; WC Docket No. 05-337, CC Docket No. 96-45Attachment: 041708 05-337 96-45 comments.pdf (99 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
5/31/2007
NCTA Comments 05/31/07Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re: Using Auctions to Determine Universal Service High Cost Support and Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Services, encouraging the FCC to take steps to reduce the size of the USF; WC Docket No. 05-337 and CC Docket No. 96-45Attachment: 053107 05-337 96-45 comments.pdf (33 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
10/10/2006
NCTA Comments 10/10/06Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re Using Auctions to Determine Universal Service High Cost Support, supporting the Joint Board's efforts to limit growth in the Universal Service Fund by adopting a reverse auction mechanism for distribution of funds; WC Docket No. 05-337Attachment: 101006 05-337 Comments.pdf (28 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
8/9/2006
NCTA Comments 08/09/06Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re: Universal Service Contribution Methodology, arguing that USF contributions should be required of interconnected VoIP providers and that the Commission should replace the current methodology with a number-based approach; WC Docket No. 06-122Attachment: 080906 06-122 comments.pdf (22 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing
Media Releases
7/24/2006
CABLE JOINS INDUSTRY GROUP IN OPPOSING THE ‘MISSOULA GROUP’ INTERCARRIER COMPENSATION FILINGAbstract: Representatives from many sectors of the telecommunications industry have joined with a national consumer group to oppose the so-called "Missoula Plan."Publication Type: Statement
7/11/2006
NCTA PARTICIPATES IN NEW COALITION FORMED TO PROMOTE NUMBERS-BASED COLLECTION OF UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUNDINGAbstract: New coalition of telecommunications industry participants backs a numbers-based system for collecting USF.Publication Type: Media Release
6/21/2006
COMMENTS OF DANIEL BRENNER, SVP FOR LAW & REGULATORY POLICY, REGARDING THE FCC DECISION TO ASSESS UNIVERSAL SERVICE CONTRIBUTIONS ON IP VOICE PROVIDERSAbstract: Statement supporting that providers of IP voice service make contributions to support the Universal Service Fund.Publication Type: Statement