The FCC's National Broadband Plan (NBP) portends a paradigm shift in telecom regulation, including wholesale revision of the federal Universal Service Fund.  Thus, the national and state associations representing JSI clients and other independent providers have sought out industry leaders and policy analysts to call attention to the NBP and the delivery of new broadband services, new spectrum for wireless companies to promote the distribution of wireless broadband, and how the NBP is likely to change in the coming months.

JSI's Director-Economics and Policy Douglas Meredith has found himself a frequent invitee to these policy reviews.  In May, Douglas took part in the Indiana Telecommunications Association's Special Briefing, which reviewed "the major subjects addressed by the Plan and provide(d) commentary about its effect on the different sectors of the Industry."  On the panel, Douglas joined: Richard Aikman and Anne Becker, Stewart & Irwin, PC; Robert Gnapp, NECA Director of Demand Assurance & Network Analysis; and, Commissioner Larry Landis, Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and a member of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.

In June, the North Dakota independent companies and co-ops asked Douglas to participate in an NBP workshop with the North Dakota PSC in Bismarck.  In two hours before the commissioners, Douglas shared his observations on a number of broadband issues, such as data showing that 84 percent of access lines in rural areas of the state are already at the NBP's "4/1 standard" - evidence that the current USF programs are working and should be maintained so that loans and investments are able to continue to receive support.  The commissioners were actively involved during the session, demonstrating a keen understanding of and welcome sensitivity to the importance of this issue for community based providers and rural communities across the state and across the nation.

At OPASTCO's Summer Convention in July, Douglas joins Moderator Bob DeBroux, TDS; and Panelists Carol Mattey, FCC and Commissioner Phillip Jones, Washington Utility and Transportation Commission, for "National Broadband Plan: Is the Sky Really Falling?"  The session in Seattle promises a hard look at the realities of the NBP and the ultimate consequences for OPASTCO members if traditional universal service is somehow transitioned to strictly a broadband-support mechanism.