tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548587494983465395.post2918768128844341906..comments2023-03-23T07:48:23.776-04:00Comments on Rural TeleCommentary: FCC's Second USF Workshop Tackles Broadband Technologies, Phase 1 CAF and the Dreaded Reverse AuctionsCassandra Heynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12951427657654122806noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548587494983465395.post-32886900744975984452013-11-14T00:31:15.076-05:002013-11-14T00:31:15.076-05:00Great pieces. Keep posting such kind of informatio...Great pieces. Keep posting such kind of information on your blog. I'm really impressed by your blog.Telecom Consulting Los Angeleshttp://nxtleveltelecom.net/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6548587494983465395.post-22137379212776400012011-05-16T16:26:11.666-04:002011-05-16T16:26:11.666-04:00Cassandra, great review of the workshop. I think ...Cassandra, great review of the workshop. I think you captured the tone very well also. I do have one correction - you assert that wireless technology only works with wireline backbone facilities. While that is true of many carriers today, it is not true with respect to Viaero. We own and operate our own high capacity microwave backbone network and do not use wireline facilities. This network has proven to be more dependable than our connections with Tier 1 carriers, and we are noticing that other wireless carriers are increasingly depending on microwave links as well. With capacities exceeding 500 Mbps, these links are extremely capable and cost-effective for delivering broadband.<br /><br />I think the central problem with USF reform is certain carriers inability to see their role in the broadband ecosystem as technology changes. Regardless of how the FCC chooses to support rural areas going forward, the market will dictate, at least in the medium term, that Rural ILECs will transition to wholesale carriers, providing links to some wireless carriers, but not all, and probably providing high-capacity connectivity to centrally located hospitals, schools and businesses. I think residential customers are voting with their feet for wireless, even before true broadband is available, and wireless carriers will likely provide most of the retail services in these areas. The level of USF support they receive will determine how quickly these services become available, and at what quality, but will not change the market outcome.<br /><br />Over the long term, it's really impossible to say what will happen. The only certainties are that technology is advancing quickly, making service to rural America more affordable every day. I think there is real opportunity to reduce the size of the USF and provide improved services, but it will either take some policy courage on the part of the FCC, a recognition of carriers of their new roles, or a bit of both.<br /><br />If you're ever interested in visiting our operation in Fort Morgan, don't hesitate to looke me up.<br /><br />Andy Newell<br />General Counsel, ViaeroAndy Newellhttp://www.viaero.comnoreply@blogger.com