Among the items on the agenda at the OPASTCO Board of Directors meeting last March in Austin, Texas was a review of the National Broadband Plan and the FCC's NPRM with its numerous controversial proposals on USF and ICC reform.  With the whole "broadband transition" portending a paradigm shift in regulatory policy and the NPRM laying out a scary scenario for OPASTCO members - and JSI clients-the Board sought an up-close, more nuanced understanding of the plan to better alert members of the need to call attention to the dire effects on the delivery of broadband services in rural communities, as well as the need for policymakers to stand by their commitment to community based telecom providers.

To facilitate the review, OPASTCO Chairman Ron Laudner invited JSI's Douglas Meredith to update the Board on what's been placed at risk by the NPRM.  A recognized expert on FCC regulatory policy, Meredith offered a thorough assessment of the FCC's (mis?)take on USF and ICC reform.  He shared his views of the potential impact of the NPRM and urged the Board to take a hard look at the proposals, determine a forceful response, and launch an active advocacy campaign.  While acknowledging that reform is needed, the JSI economist and policy analyst expounded on the need for OPASTCO and other associations to promote in no uncertain terms the importance of continued support for community based providers across the nation.

In his presentation, Meredith outlined the consequences for OPASTCO members and rural communities, if traditional universal service support is transitioned strictly to broadband, calling special attention to the FCC's lack of understanding of the success rural carriers have had in delivering advanced services to high-cost areas.  Following the meeting, several Board members remarked about the quality and timeliness of the review.  Meredith continues to participate in association sessions on the FCC's broadband ambitions.