Rural Carrier Trade Groups tell FCC that Their Members Need Opex Support

Rural wireless trade groups are asking the Federal Communications Commission to consider subsidizing operational costs for rural carriers. Two providers have already asked for extra funding to avoid shutting down cell sites, and the organizations say more could follow suit. The comments stem from a June 2024 request by Carolina West Wireless for more Universal Service Fund support that it said would help keep money-losing sites online in place where it was the only telecom provider. “The Commission should view Carolina West’s petitions not only as a request for targeted relief, but as a representative case that highlights the urgent need for a broader, more sustainable support framework,” the Rural Wireless Association wrote in a filing posted August 12.