Today, Roger Bundridge, General Manager of NorthwestCell and a member of RCA’s Board of Directors, testified before the House Small Business Subcommittee on Healthcare and Technology hearing entitled, “Broadband: A Catalyst for Small Business Growth.” Bundridge discussed the need for competitive carriers like NorthwestCell to receive sufficient and predictable support through the new universal service mechanisms to maintain, upgrade and expand their networks to support consumers and other small businesses. Bundridge also expressed the importance of access to useable spectrum, availability of devices and roaming on commercially reasonable rates to compete with the largest carriers and expand mobile broadband, especially in rural areas.
“Wireless carriers like us play a critical role by providing service to rural and otherwise underserved areas and acting as a competitive balance to the largest carriers,” Bundridge said. “For us to remain competitive in an increasingly consolidated industry, and to continue to expand service to difficult-to-serve areas, Congress must support policies that level the playing field and allow smaller carriers to grow."
In a statement, RCA president & CEO Steven K. Berry said, “I thank Roger for his testimony, as many other RCA members share the same challenges as NorthwestCell. Policymakers’ decisions will likely determine the livelihood of many competitive carriers, especially smaller carriers, and it is critical that Congress and the FCC consider the impact on the small businesses and consumers they serve. Access to sufficient and predictable universal service support, access to useable spectrum, roaming on commercially reasonable rates, and the availability of cutting-edge, interoperable devices are critical issues for competitive carriers across the country. We look forward to our continued work with Congress and the FCC to ensure decisions on these issues benefit consumers and small businesses across the country.”
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