At 7/29/2010 08:01 AM, Brian wrote: >Hit me off list and I can offer some suggestions.
As I mentioned, the 75% rule only applies to wireline providers (i.e., cable), so mapping WISP coverage buys nothing. The Boucher-Terry bill has nothing in it to help WISPs and plenty to hurt them, including a rather high tax to support your competitors. >Brian > > >-----Original Message----- >From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On >Behalf Of RickG >Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 11:24 PM >To: WISPA General List >Subject: Re: [WISPA] USF Reform Bill Introduced - The most compelling reason >to document and map your network coverage ever > >I'd like to but I dont know where to begin and with my limited time I >cant even try to figure it out. > >On Wed, Jul 28, 2010 at 12:37 PM, Brian Webster ><[email protected]> wrote: > > Steve Coran just posted the message below to the WISPA FCC committee list. >I > > took particular note to the following statement: > > > > > > > > - would reduce or deny support to wireline incumbents in areas where at > > least 75% of households can receive voice and broadband from a competitive > > provider that does not receive support > > > > > > > > Now the way I read the above statement is that if a WISP covers 75% of a > > current USF recipients service area, there will no longer be eligibility >to > > receive USF funds. Remember if they have broadband they also have access >to > > many VOIP providers even if you do not provide VOIP services. Vonage and > > Skype come to mind, not to mention cellular coverage. This would be a huge > > factor in leveling the playing field for WISP's in rural markets! I cannot > > see a more compelling reason to document and map your networks than this. > > Not only will it prevent yet another subsidized competitor from coming in >to > > your service area, but it will also erode funding for any Telco who > > currently receives USF in your markets. This would bring wireless as a > > delivery method to the forefront because there are then no artificial > > revenue streams subsidizing the cost to deliver last mile service. We all > > know that wireless has the least cost per household passed in low density > > markets. > > > > > > > > There are many ways to document and map your coverage areas. First and > > foremost though is that you should file the Form 477 as required. Next one > > should map their network with an accurate service area where you would > > confidently offer service. This can be done many ways (including paying me > > to do it). This also shows a very important reason to be participating in > > your state broadband mapping efforts. I would expect that those state maps > > will become one of the major verification sources to establish the 75% > > coverage. The FCC 477 database will probably become another verification > > source. If you are listed in both of them it would be very hard for >someone > > to say you don't exist and don't offer coverage in their areas. > > > > > > > > One of the downsides to this bill is that all broadband providers will be > > required to contribute to the fund. My gut feeling though is that if >WISP's > > were accurately mapped and documented it would show so much less of the US > > is unserved by broadband and thus the required funding through USF to get >it > > there will be much less. > > > > Brian > > > > ---------------------------------- > > > > > > > > Last week, Reps. Boucher (D-VA) and Terry (R-NE) introduced legislation >that > > would reform the Universal Service Fund. The Press Release, Overview, > > Section by Section summary and text of the bill are available at this >link: > > > > >http://www.boucher.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1579&; >Itemid=122 > > > > > > > > I have not read these documents, but plan to do so soon. A few highlights > > that the trade press has noted: > > > > - would reduce or deny support to wireline incumbents in areas where >at > > least 75% of households can receive voice and broadband from a competitive > > provider that does not receive support > > > > - FCC would create cost model that includes broadband in figuring > > support models > > > > - competitive bidding among wireless carriers for USF support > > > > - no more than two wireless CETCs could get support in the same area > > > > - carriers would have 5 years to provide broadband throughout their > > service areas, or would lose support > > > > - all broadband providers would pay into USF to expand contribution >base > > > > - FCC to decide appropriate speed for broadband > > > > > > > > Rep. Boucher has said that the bill is on his "front burner" and that he > > wants to get the legislation passed this Fall. Please feel free to >comment > > on-list AFTER you've reviewed the documents so that you can promote > > education of the WISPA membership and help shape whatever position WISPA >may > > wish to take as the bill works its way through Congress. Thanks. > > > > > > > > Stephen E. Coran > > > > Rini Coran, PC > > > > 1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600 > > > > Washington, D.C. 20036 > > > > 202.463.4310 - voice > > > > 202.669.3288 - cell > > > > 202.296.2014 - fax > > > > [email protected] - e-mail > > > > www.rinicoran.com > > > > www.telecommunicationslaw.com > > > > > > > > > > >---------------------------------------------------------------------------- >---- > > WISPA Wants You! 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