CCA, NATE, WIA, Others Urge Congress to Fill Rip & Replace Funding Shortfal

The Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, the Wireless Infrastructure Association, and NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, joined five other industry trade groups to urge Congress to provide the FCC with additional funding for the Rip & Replace reimbursement fund.  The FCC-reported gross cost estimate demand of $5.6 billion is significantly higher than the congressionally appropriated $1.9 billion, Inside Towers reported, and additional money is needed to help ensure impacted carriers can successfully update their networks. “Barring further resources, the FCC will be forced to implement prorating available funding using the prioritization process directed by Congress,” said the trade associations in letters to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Continue Reading