OPASTCO and Reforming Universal Service for Broadband

Stay up-to-date on OPASTCO's latest National Broadband Plan advocacy efforts. Working together with NECA, NTCA and WTA, OPASTCO is representing the rural telecommunications industry's interests on national broadband deployment and universal service reform.

Download resources for grassroots advocacy in your community!

Archived rural associations webinar: "Analysis of the FCC's USF and ICC Broadband Reform Proposals"

Resources for Grassroots Advocacy

Help OPASTCO, NTCA and WTA save rural broadband through your company's website, publications and social media presence! The following material makes it easy for you to share our message with your customers and local and state decision-makers.

Save Rural Broadband Logos
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Save Rural Broadband Social Media Icons
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Save Rural Broadband Banner Ads
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Save Rural Broadband Print Ad
Save Rural Broadband Public Service Announcements
(Featuring Former Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D.)
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Video Vignettes
- Texas
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- California
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- Montana
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- Missouri
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- Minnesota
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Position Paper on How Wireless Service Depends on Robust Wireline Networks

Position Paper on How USF Benefits Economic Development by Promoting and Maintaining Robust Rural Broadband Networks

Position Paper on Reverse Auctions: A Bad Deal for Rural America

Position Paper on the Continued Importance of Rate of Return Regulation

Position Paper on the Importance of Intercarrier Compensation Reform

Position Paper on How to Avoid a "Digital Divide"

Examples of OPASTCO Members' NBP Grassroots Advocacy Efforts (Members Only)

Sample PowerPoint Slides for Presentations in Your Community About the National Broadband Plan

Draft Letter to Send to Your Members of Congress
For assistance in locating your members of the House and/or Senate, please contact Randy Tyree at rxt@opastco.org or 202/659-0254.

Draft Letter to Send to the FCC Chairman and Commissioners
Click here for individual commissioner addresses.

Joint National Broadband Plan Webinar Slides (June 30 and July 7, 2010)

Archived Webcast of June 30, 2010, Webinar (Please note that this file may require several minutes to download).

Our Advocacy Efforts Regarding the National Broadband Plan:

August 5, 2011

Video Produced by OmniTel Communications of USDA RUS Administrator Jonathan Adelstein's July 26 Visit to Northern Iowa

August 4, 2011

Rural Telecom Associations Encouraged as FCC Further Inquiry References Proposed Consensus Reform Framework

July 29, 2011

OPASTCO and Rural Telecom Associations File Joint Letter Supporting Industry Consensus and Their April 2011 Reform Plan Filed with the FCC

November 9, 2010

In the Des Moines Register, an op-ed by Dave Duncan, president of the Iowa Telecommunications Association, "FCC plan a rural-urban split for Iowans"

November 5, 2010

How to Avoid a "Digital Divide"

Rate-of-Return Regulation: A Broadband Success Story

Intercarrier Compensation Reform: A Streamlined Approach for a Solid Foundation

October 27, 2010

OPASTCO, Rural Allies Meet with Offices of FCC Commissioners Clyburn, Copps to Discuss USF, ICC Reform

October 26, 2010

OPASTCO, Rural Allies Update State Telecommunications Association Executives on National Broadband Plan Advocacy (OPASTCO website log-in required)

October 21, 2010

OPASTCO, Rural Allies Meet with FCC to Discuss USF, ICC Reform

On RadioIowa.com, "Telecommunications groups express concern over broadband plan"

September 16, 2010

Rural Groups' Joint Testimony Supports USF Plan Modifications in H.R. 5828, the Universal Service Reform Act of 2010

Shirley Bloomfield (NTCA) testimony

September 7, 2010

OPASTCO Urges FCC to Disregard National Broadband Plan's Recommendations for High-Cost USF Reform

September 2, 2010

OPASTCO, Rural Associations Meet with FCC to Discuss Reform of Intercarrier Compensation Mechanisms

August 18, 2010

OPASTCO Meets with FCC to Discuss Reform of USF Contribution Methodology

August 16, 2010

OPASTCO, Rural Associations File Pole Attachment Comments

August 11, 2010

Rural Associations Reply to Comments on FCC's Broadband Universal Service Reform Proceeding

July 22, 2010

Former USDA RUS Administrators Send Letter to FCC Expressing Concern for National Broadband Plan

July 15, 2010

OPASTCO, Rural Associations File Comments with FCC on Broadband Framework

July 12, 2010

Rural Associations File Comments on FCC's Broadband Universal Service Reform Proceeding

June 24, 2010

Rural Groups Joint Testimony Points to Flawed FCC Plan that Undermines USF

June 16, 2010

Reps. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Ed Whitfield (R-KY) sent letters to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski expressing their concerns for recommendations in the National Broadband Plan

June 14, 2010

Rural Groups Tell USDA Sec. Vilsack National Broadband Plan Jeopardizes Infrastructure Investment and Repayment of RUS Loans

June 11, 2010

Rural Groups Hail Senate Letter on National Broadband Plan

June 7, 2010

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Replies to OPASTCO's Letter Voicing Concern for National Broadband Plan Recommedations

June 4, 2010

OPASTCO, Rural Associations Meet with FCC Wireline Competition Bureau to Discuss National Broadband Plan Recommendations

June 1, 2010

In The Hill, "National Broadband Plan will hurt rural America, 40 House members say"

In Communications Daily, CommDaily Notebook: "Acting on the National Broadband Plan would hurt rural areas, said Reps. Sam Graves, R-Mo., Betsy Markey, D-Colo., and 38 other House members..." pp.4-5