The possible inclusion of wireless carriers in the...

The possible inclusion of wireless carriers in the FCC’s definition of unsubsidized competitors would contradict the public interest, the Alaska Rural Coalition told aides to FCC commissioners April 8 and April 9, according to an ex parte filing (http://bit.ly/1qWQfNE) posted by the FCC Monday. ARC members said during the meetings that wireless carriers do not have the same regulatory obligations as wireline carriers, “and can therefore cherry-pick the most profitable areas to serve, leaving less densely populated areas out in the cold,” the filing said. A carrier should only be considered unsubsidized “if it receives no support from any federal programs,” including E-rate and Rural Health, the ARC members said. Discussing broadband expansion, the ARC members also said rural carriers are precluded from participation in mobility auctions because of the commission’s requirement that bidders obtain irrevocable letters of credit, which are unavailable from the Rural Utilities Service, the primary lender to small rural carriers, the filing said.