WISPA Applauds House of Representatives for Support of Small Business Exemption from New Open Internet Disclosure
Redding, CA (PRWEB) November 20, 2015 -- The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA), a membership organization that promotes the development, advancement and unity of the fixed wireless Internet service provider (ISP) industry,
applauds the Members of the House of Representatives that have written to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asking that small businesses be permanently exempt from new Open Internet disclosure requirements, and supports the goals of the Small Business Broadband Deployment bill sponsored by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and Senator James Risch (R-ID).
As stated in the letter signed by 35 Members, the new, enhanced transparency obligations adopted by the FCC will require broadband Internet access providers to disclose more detailed and extensive information about their networks. The burden of compliance with these enhanced obligations will disproportionately impact small businesses. The proposed Daines-Risch bill would make permanent the small business exemption approved by the FCC in March.
“Small ISPs provide broadband service to those most in need of connectivity, those in rural and underserved areas,” said Elizabeth Bowles, WISPA Legislative Committee Co-Chair. “As the record at the FCC makes clear, enhanced disclosure obligations will negatively affect the ability of small ISPs to meet the needs of these underserved populations and will impose the greatest cost burden on those consumers and businesses least able to afford it. WISPA appreciates the support from so many House Members who recognize the disparate burden small businesses would have to bear if the exemption is not made permanent.”
The temporary exemption approved by the FCC in March is set to expire on December 15, 2015, unless the FCC takes action. WISPA urges the FCC to act in advance of the December deadline to make the small business exemption permanent.
About WISPA
WISPA is a membership-driven trade association that promotes the development, advancement and unity of the wireless Internet service provider industry. WISPA has over 800 members that support WISPA’s advocacy, education and other collaborative industry initiatives. For more information, visit http://www.wispa.org.
Elizabeth Bowles, WISPA, http://www.swispa.org, +1 866-317-2851 Ext: 104, [email protected]
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