House Republican Backs Pai's Broadband Plans
Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., lauded FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai’s plan to help provide stand-alone broadband support to rate-of-return carriers (see 1506290039). Pai announced his plans earlier this week, and Cramer was the House lawmaker to lead a letter with scores…
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of his colleagues pressing for such stand-alone support (see 1504210033). “Commissioner Pai’s proposal acknowledges the need for the FCC to adopt common-sense reforms to the Universal Service Fund,” Cramer said Wednesday. “We have seen technology transform the economy of rural America in places like North Dakota. These reforms ensure access to high quality, affordable broadband infrastructure.” A news release from Cramer included an endorsement of Pai’s ideas from North Dakota Association of Telecommunications Cooperatives Executive Vice President David Crothers: “Commissioner Pai's initiative, which closely mirrors a plan advocated by Congressman Cramer, makes it far more likely rural residents will be able to affordably access a telecom infrastructure that can meet their video, data and voice needs.” Cramer’s release said he and Pai met in May to discuss the issue. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., led Pai in a tour of Nebraska this week, she said in her own news release. “I commend Commissioner Pai for laying out a concrete plan of action,” Fischer said in a statement. “We discussed many important issues, including telecommunications policies affecting our broadcasters and the challenges connecting broadband to our cities and our communities across the state. We heard from businesses across Nebraska who want to deploy more broadband but are held back due to regulatory uncertainty. We heard from broadcasters who provide important information across our state regarding the challenges they continue to face.” Pai also spoke of 911 issues at a Nebraska Public Service Commission workshop (see 1506300066).