The satellite industry hailed language deep in a telecom bill by ...
The satellite industry hailed language deep in a telecom bill by Sen. Stevens (R-Alaska) that would strengthen the satellite industry’s hand in rural broadband deployment. If the bill’s satellite provisions survive conference, “it’s a big win for the satellite…
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industry,” Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA) Exec. Dir. David Cavossa. Broadband is wrapped into Universal Service Fund (USF) reform efforts. The bill would set up a broadband account in USF to support deployment in areas the FCC deems unserved. A satellite-specific sub- section would make satellite broadband providers like WildBlue and Hughes Network Systems eligible for support from the broadband account. What’s more, the bill would make customer premise equipment -- satellite broadband dishes and modems -- eligible for USF support. Satellite broadband is touted as an ideal broadband mode for rural communities beyond terrestrial broadband’s reach. But while the hardware can be installed in the middle of nowhere, it’s costly -- sometimes too costly for subscribers -- and gaps in Dept. of Agriculture funding for rural broadband deployment leave out consumer premise equipment. The language in Stevens’ bill would bridge that gap, allowing satellite broadband providers to qualify for federal USF funds. But the Commission still could rule a community unserved by broadband, and eligible for more USF broadband money, if satellite broadband subscriptions in the area are “de minimis.”