PATRICIA CAVE

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). Also lobbied in support of broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). Also lobbied in support of broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). Also lobbied in support of broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Lobbied in support of repealing the Estate Tax. Also lobbied in support of concept that would incentivize large rural telecom providers to divest themselves of their more rural high cost areas and allow small rural telcos to acquire those particular areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones".

Lobbied in support of repealing the Estate Tax, which affects family-owned small rural telcos. Also lobbied in support of concept that would incentivize large rural telecom providers to divest themselves of their more rural high cost areas and allow small rural telcos to acquire those particular areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones".

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Lobbied in support of repealing the Estate Tax, which affects family-owned small rural telcos. Also lobbied in support of concept that would incentivize large rural telecom providers to divest themselves of their more rural high cost areas and allow small rural telcos to acquire those particular areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones".

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). Also lobbied in support of broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of freezing or eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules S.J. Res 34 and H.J. Res 86, Congressional Review Act on Privacy -- the resolutions prevented the FCC's 2016 Privacy Order provisions from going into the effect H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of freezing or eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules S.J. Res 34 and H.J. Res 86, Congressional Review Act on Privacy -- the resolutions prevented the FCC's 2016 Privacy Order provisions from going into the effect H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). Also lobbied in support of broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Lobbied in support of repealing the Estate Tax, which affects family-owned small rural telcos. Also lobbied in support of concept that would incentivize large rural telecom providers to divest themselves of their more rural high cost areas and allow small rural telcos to acquire those particular areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones".

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). Also lobbied in support of broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Lobbied in support of repealing the Estate Tax, which affects family-owned small rural telcos. Also lobbied in support of concept that would incentivize large rural telecom providers to divest themselves of their more rural high cost areas and allow small rural telcos to acquire those particular areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones".

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Lobbied in support of repealing the Estate Tax. Also lobbied in support of concept that would incentivize large rural telecom providers to divest themselves of their more rural high cost areas and allow small rural telcos to acquire those particular areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones".

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of freezing or eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules S.J. Res 34 and H.J. Res 86, Congressional Review Act on Privacy -- the resolutions prevented the FCC's 2016 Privacy Order provisions from going into the effect H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of freezing or eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules S.J. Res 34 and H.J. Res 86, Congressional Review Act on Privacy -- the resolutions prevented the FCC's 2016 Privacy Order provisions from going into the effect H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). Also lobbied in support of broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of freezing or eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules S.J. Res 34 and H.J. Res 86, Congressional Review Act on Privacy -- the resolutions prevented the FCC's 2016 Privacy Order provisions from going into the effect H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). Also lobbied in support of broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

S. 770, Main Street Cyber Act -- directs the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) to publish guidance specifically to help small businesses understand/implement the NIST Framework

S. 770, Main Street Cyber Act -- directs the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) to publish guidance specifically to help small businesses understand/implement the NIST Framework

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: WTA lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism and urged the FCC to direct the Universal Service Administrative Company to continue collecting the full budget for the High Cost program. WTA also lobbied for USF Contributions Reform to require those entities that should be paying into the system but are not to actually do so. This will help sure up the long term fiscal viability of the universal service fund. WTA also lobbied in support of providing broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas -- this would enable further broadband deployment in rural areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. H.R. 3523 and S. 875 -- would require the Comptroller General of the US to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it. E-Rate -- Discussed the program's budget and discussed the association's opposition to using e-rate funds to overbuild existing rural networks that already have broadband connections to schools and libraries. Also discussed Category items that are eligible for support funding under the program.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of freezing or eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules S.J. Res 34 and H.J. Res 86, Congressional Review Act on Privacy -- the resolutions prevented the FCC's 2016 Privacy Order provisions from going into the effect H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). Also lobbied in support of broadband incentives for large telecommunications providers to divest themselves of their most rural hard-to-serve areas. H.R. 2870 and S. 1013, Gigabit Opportunity Act -- would provide beneficial tax treatment for broadband deployment in areas deemed "Gigabit Opportunity Zones". S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules H.R. 2520 -- The BROWSER Act, Authorizes the FTC to enforce information privacy protections H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. H.R. 2425 -- Public Lands Telecommunications Act, directs Dept. of Treasury to establish separate special accounts for the National Parks Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service for the deposit of rental fees received by the agencies for communications use on federal lands. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Universal Service Fund Reforms: Association lobbied for fully funding the Universal Service Fund's High Cost Program, both the Alternative Connect America Fund Mechanism (ACAM) and modified Rate of Return mechanism. The Association also lobbied on USF Contributions Reform to shore up the contributions mechanism for the future viability of the USF program. Association lobbied in support of freezing or eliminating the FCC's pending July 1st rate increase for rural consumers (e.g., Rate Floor). S. 96 and H.R. 460, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act -- seeks to ensure call to rural America are properly completed. S. 228 and H.R. 288, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act -- exempts for 5 years small ISPs with fewer than 250,000 subscribers from the Federal Communications Commission's enhanced transparency rules S.J. Res 34 and H.J. Res 86, Congressional Review Act on Privacy -- the resolutions prevented the FCC's 2016 Privacy Order provisions from going into the effect H.R. 1754 -- amends the Federal Trade Commission Act and would authorize the agency to act on ISP privacy S. 604 Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 -- legislation would streamline the permitting process for broadband deployment on Federal land Broadband Infrastructure -- Association lobbied in support of ensuring broadband infrastructure is included as part of the larger discussion about rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. Lifeline -- Association lobbied in support of its Petition for Reconsideration which, among other things, expresses concerns with the FCC proposal to phase-out voice service under the program and the detrimental affect this would have on rural consumers; the PFR also expresses concerns over the 12-month port freeze which could prevent customers from entering the program if they could be aided by it.

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills that are currently working their way through Congress (e.g., H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, and S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015). In general WTA's advocacy focused on ensuring strong liability protections be in place for small companies that share or receive cyber threat information with other entities and the government and that such protections can serve as an incentive for more small companies to participate in the information sharing process. WTA also stressed the importance of legislation not placing any additional burdens on small telecommunications providers beyond those already established in the Communications Act and applicable FCC rules (i.e., CPNI rules and other customer-related information).

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills: H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015)

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills that are currently working their way through Congress (e.g., H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, and S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015). In general WTA's advocacy focused on ensuring strong liability protections are put in place for small rural telcos that share or receive cyber threat information with other entities and the government and that such protections serve as an incentive for more small companies to participate in the information sharing process. WTA also stressed the importance of legislation not placing any additional burdens on small telecommunications providers beyond those already established in the Communications Act and applicable FCC rules (i.e., CPNI rules and other customer-related information).

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills: H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015)

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills: H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015)

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills that are currently working their way through Congress (e.g., H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, and S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015). In general WTA's advocacy focused on ensuring strong liability protections are put in place for small rural telcos that share or receive cyber threat information with other entities and the government and that such protections serve as an incentive for more small companies to participate in the information sharing process. WTA also stressed the importance of legislation not placing any additional burdens on small telecommunications providers beyond those already established in the Communications Act and applicable FCC rules (i.e., CPNI rules and other customer-related information).

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills: H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015)

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills that are currently working their way through Congress (e.g., H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, and S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015). In general WTA's advocacy focused on ensuring strong liability protections be in place for small companies that share or receive cyber threat information with other entities and the government and that such protections can serve as an incentive for more small companies to participate in the information sharing process. WTA also stressed the importance of legislation not placing any additional burdens on small telecommunications providers beyond those already established in the Communications Act and applicable FCC rules (i.e., CPNI rules and other customer-related information).

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills: H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015)

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills that are currently working their way through Congress (e.g., H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, and S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015). In general WTA's advocacy focused on ensuring strong liability protections are put in place for small rural telcos that share or receive cyber threat information with other entities and the government and that such protections serve as an incentive for more small companies to participate in the information sharing process. WTA also stressed the importance of legislation not placing any additional burdens on small telecommunications providers beyond those already established in the Communications Act and applicable FCC rules (i.e., CPNI rules and other customer-related information).

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills: H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015)

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills that are currently working their way through Congress (e.g., H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, and S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015). In general WTA's advocacy focused on ensuring strong liability protections be in place for small companies that share or receive cyber threat information with other entities and the government and that such protections can serve as an incentive for more small companies to participate in the information sharing process. WTA also stressed the importance of legislation not placing any additional burdens on small telecommunications providers beyond those already established in the Communications Act and applicable FCC rules (i.e., CPNI rules and other customer-related information).

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills that are currently working their way through Congress (e.g., H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, and S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015). In general WTA's advocacy focused on ensuring strong liability protections are put in place for small rural telcos that share or receive cyber threat information with other entities and the government and that such protections serve as an incentive for more small companies to participate in the information sharing process. WTA also stressed the importance of legislation not placing any additional burdens on small telecommunications providers beyond those already established in the Communications Act and applicable FCC rules (i.e., CPNI rules and other customer-related information).

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills: H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015)

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills that are currently working their way through Congress (e.g., H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, and S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015). In general WTA's advocacy focused on ensuring strong liability protections be in place for small companies that share or receive cyber threat information with other entities and the government and that such protections can serve as an incentive for more small companies to participate in the information sharing process. WTA also stressed the importance of legislation not placing any additional burdens on small telecommunications providers beyond those already established in the Communications Act and applicable FCC rules (i.e., CPNI rules and other customer-related information).

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills: H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015)

Universal Service Reform: WTA continued to express support for Congress and the FCC to develop a Connect America Fund (CAF) for small rural local exchange carriers (RLECs). The association lobbied on USF distributions, specifically on the FCC's ACAM model and on an industry Plan that would allow rural customers to purchase broadband only from their local RLEC at a more reasonable rate than it must be offered today. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issues of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. WTA lobbied policymakers in support the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor, which seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA also discussed the issues raised in response to the USF Reform Order's Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which covered the type of expenses that are deemed eligible for USF reimbursement, the Tribal Broadband Plan, and reporting requirements. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. The former is a plan developed specifically for determining how Alaska telcos receive USF distribution reimbursements while the latter seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC, including the Association's petition for reconsideration in response to the FCC's USF Lifeline Order. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Also lobbied on provision in FCC's Lifeline Reform Order that requires telcos to provide standalone broadband service to Lifeline customers if they ask for such service. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283/H.R. 4596, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop) Lobbied on E-Rate program reforms

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop)

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA also discussed the issues raised in response to the USF Reform Order's Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which covered the type of expenses that are deemed eligible for USF reimbursement, the Tribal Broadband Plan, and reporting requirements. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. The former is a plan developed specifically for determining how Alaska telcos receive USF distribution reimbursements while the latter seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC, including the Association's petition for reconsideration in response to the FCC's USF Lifeline Order. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA continued to express support for Congress and the FCC to develop a Connect America Fund (CAF) for small rural local exchange carriers (RLECs). The association lobbied on USF distributions, specifically on the FCC's ACAM model and on an industry Plan that would allow rural customers to purchase broadband only from their local RLEC at a more reasonable rate than it must be offered today. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issues of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. WTA lobbied policymakers in support the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor, which seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop)

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Also lobbied on provision in FCC's Lifeline Reform Order that requires telcos to provide standalone broadband service to Lifeline customers if they ask for such service. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283/H.R. 4596, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop) Lobbied on E-Rate program reforms

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA also discussed the issues raised in response to the USF Reform Order's Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which covered the type of expenses that are deemed eligible for USF reimbursement, the Tribal Broadband Plan, and reporting requirements. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. The former is a plan developed specifically for determining how Alaska telcos receive USF distribution reimbursements while the latter seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC, including the Association's petition for reconsideration in response to the FCC's USF Lifeline Order. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop)

Universal Service Reform: WTA continued to express support for Congress and the FCC to develop a Connect America Fund (CAF) for small rural local exchange carriers (RLECs). The association lobbied on USF distributions, specifically on the FCC's ACAM model and on an industry Plan that would allow rural customers to purchase broadband only from their local RLEC at a more reasonable rate than it must be offered today. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issues of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. WTA lobbied policymakers in support the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor, which seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA continued to express support for Congress and the FCC to develop a Connect America Fund (CAF) for small rural local exchange carriers (RLECs). The association lobbied on USF distributions, specifically on the FCC's ACAM model and on an industry Plan that would allow rural customers to purchase broadband only from their local RLEC at a more reasonable rate than it must be offered today. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issues of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. WTA lobbied policymakers in support the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor, which seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA also discussed the issues raised in response to the USF Reform Order's Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which covered the type of expenses that are deemed eligible for USF reimbursement, the Tribal Broadband Plan, and reporting requirements. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. The former is a plan developed specifically for determining how Alaska telcos receive USF distribution reimbursements while the latter seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC, including the Association's petition for reconsideration in response to the FCC's USF Lifeline Order. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop)

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Also lobbied on provision in FCC's Lifeline Reform Order that requires telcos to provide standalone broadband service to Lifeline customers if they ask for such service. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283/H.R. 4596, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop) Lobbied on E-Rate program reforms

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop)

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA also discussed the issues raised in response to the USF Reform Order's Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which covered the type of expenses that are deemed eligible for USF reimbursement, the Tribal Broadband Plan, and reporting requirements. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. The former is a plan developed specifically for determining how Alaska telcos receive USF distribution reimbursements while the latter seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC, including the Association's petition for reconsideration in response to the FCC's USF Lifeline Order. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Also lobbied on provision in FCC's Lifeline Reform Order that requires telcos to provide standalone broadband service to Lifeline customers if they ask for such service. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283/H.R. 4596, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop) Lobbied on E-Rate program reforms

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop)

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Also lobbied on provision in FCC's Lifeline Reform Order that requires telcos to provide standalone broadband service to Lifeline customers if they ask for such service. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283/H.R. 4596, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop) Lobbied on E-Rate program reforms

Universal Service Reform: WTA continued to express support for Congress and the FCC to develop a Connect America Fund (CAF) for small rural local exchange carriers (RLECs). The association lobbied on USF distributions, specifically on the FCC's ACAM model and on an industry Plan that would allow rural customers to purchase broadband only from their local RLEC at a more reasonable rate than it must be offered today. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issues of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. WTA lobbied policymakers in support the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor, which seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA also discussed the issues raised in response to the USF Reform Order's Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which covered the type of expenses that are deemed eligible for USF reimbursement, the Tribal Broadband Plan, and reporting requirements. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. The former is a plan developed specifically for determining how Alaska telcos receive USF distribution reimbursements while the latter seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC, including the Association's petition for reconsideration in response to the FCC's USF Lifeline Order. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Also lobbied on provision in FCC's Lifeline Reform Order that requires telcos to provide standalone broadband service to Lifeline customers if they ask for such service. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283/H.R. 4596, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop) Lobbied on E-Rate program reforms

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA also discussed the issues raised in response to the USF Reform Order's Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which covered the type of expenses that are deemed eligible for USF reimbursement, the Tribal Broadband Plan, and reporting requirements. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. The former is a plan developed specifically for determining how Alaska telcos receive USF distribution reimbursements while the latter seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC, including the Association's petition for reconsideration in response to the FCC's USF Lifeline Order. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop)

Universal Service Reform: WTA continued to express support for Congress and the FCC to develop a Connect America Fund (CAF) for small rural local exchange carriers (RLECs). The association lobbied on USF distributions, specifically on the FCC's ACAM model and on an industry Plan that would allow rural customers to purchase broadband only from their local RLEC at a more reasonable rate than it must be offered today. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issues of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. WTA lobbied policymakers in support the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor, which seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Also lobbied on provision in FCC's Lifeline Reform Order that requires telcos to provide standalone broadband service to Lifeline customers if they ask for such service. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283/H.R. 4596, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop) Lobbied on E-Rate program reforms

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop)

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills that are currently working their way through Congress (e.g., H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, and S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015). In general WTA's advocacy focused on ensuring strong liability protections be in place for small companies that share or receive cyber threat information with other entities and the government and that such protections can serve as an incentive for more small companies to participate in the information sharing process. WTA also stressed the importance of legislation not placing any additional burdens on small telecommunications providers beyond those already established in the Communications Act and applicable FCC rules (i.e., CPNI rules and other customer-related information).

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills that are currently working their way through Congress (e.g., H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, and S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015). In general WTA's advocacy focused on ensuring strong liability protections are put in place for small rural telcos that share or receive cyber threat information with other entities and the government and that such protections serve as an incentive for more small companies to participate in the information sharing process. WTA also stressed the importance of legislation not placing any additional burdens on small telecommunications providers beyond those already established in the Communications Act and applicable FCC rules (i.e., CPNI rules and other customer-related information).

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills: H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015)

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills: H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015)

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop)

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA also discussed the issues raised in response to the USF Reform Order's Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which covered the type of expenses that are deemed eligible for USF reimbursement, the Tribal Broadband Plan, and reporting requirements. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. The former is a plan developed specifically for determining how Alaska telcos receive USF distribution reimbursements while the latter seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC, including the Association's petition for reconsideration in response to the FCC's USF Lifeline Order. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA continued to express support for Congress and the FCC to develop a Connect America Fund (CAF) for small rural local exchange carriers (RLECs). The association lobbied on USF distributions, specifically on the FCC's ACAM model and on an industry Plan that would allow rural customers to purchase broadband only from their local RLEC at a more reasonable rate than it must be offered today. WTA staff continued expressing support for reforming the way Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund to make it more equitable for everyone who must contribute while also lowering the actual rate at which individuals contribute. The association also lobbied on reforms to the Lifeline program at the FCC. It also discussed with lawmakers, H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issues of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. H.R. 4596, the Small Business Broadband Deployment Act is House companion. H.R. 2666, No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which prohibits the FCC from regulating rates charged for broadband Internet access service. Lobbied in support of the Rural Utilities Service's Telecommunications 2017 Budget. WTA lobbied policymakers in support the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor, which seeks to provide additional USF support to Tribally-owned telecommunications companies and other telecommunications companies providing telecommunications and broadband Internet access service on Tribal lands. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC.

Universal Service Reform: WTA lobbied on the FCC's March 2016 USF Reform Order, specifically aspects of the ACAM model and the modified Rate-of-Return path. WTA lobbied policymakers in support of the Alaska USF Plan and the National Tribal Telecommunications Association's (NTTA) tribal broadband factor. WTA staff lobbied on USF contributions reform. The association also lobbied on Lifeline program issues: H.R. 4884, the CURB Lifeline Act, H.R. 5525, the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. Also lobbied on provision in FCC's Lifeline Reform Order that requires telcos to provide standalone broadband service to Lifeline customers if they ask for such service. Rural Call Completion: WTA lobbied in support of S. 827 and H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality & Reliability Act of 2015. The legislation addresses the issue of calls not being completed to rural areas and calls on the FCC to set standards for Least Cost Routers. WTA also supported S. 2283/H.R. 4596, The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015, which exempts for 5 years any small business broadband Internet provider with no more than 250,000 subscribers from the Open Internet Order's enhanced transparency measures. FCC Reauthorization Legislation, S. 2644 would reauthorize the FCC. S. 3408, Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Program (B-Crop) Lobbied on E-Rate program reforms

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills that are currently working their way through Congress (e.g., H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, and S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015). In general WTA's advocacy focused on ensuring strong liability protections are put in place for small rural telcos that share or receive cyber threat information with other entities and the government and that such protections serve as an incentive for more small companies to participate in the information sharing process. WTA also stressed the importance of legislation not placing any additional burdens on small telecommunications providers beyond those already established in the Communications Act and applicable FCC rules (i.e., CPNI rules and other customer-related information).

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills that are currently working their way through Congress (e.g., H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, and S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015). In general WTA's advocacy focused on ensuring strong liability protections be in place for small companies that share or receive cyber threat information with other entities and the government and that such protections can serve as an incentive for more small companies to participate in the information sharing process. WTA also stressed the importance of legislation not placing any additional burdens on small telecommunications providers beyond those already established in the Communications Act and applicable FCC rules (i.e., CPNI rules and other customer-related information).

Cybersecurity Issues: WTA lobbied on a number of cybersecurity bills: H.R. 1560, Protecting Cyber Networks Act of 2015; H.R. 1731, National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015; H.R. 1770, Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015; H.R. 2205, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 961, Data Security Act of 2015, S. 754, Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015)