NCTA

Even tougher standards to kick in in 2023 said associations

Say they have important role in promoting program's success

Said billions from Congress could be salvation or sinkhole

Say current framework favors biggest players, discourages 'robust' participation

Said money should go, whenever possible, to existing service, not new plant

Follows White House executive order on supply chain security

NCTA, ACA say they were not invited to testify

NCTA said access to funds should be fair and equitable

Comes in advance of Hill markup of bill with big broadband connectivity bucks

The new FCC is getting a lot of help as it prepares to hand out $3.2 billion in Emergency Broadband Program (EBB) aid Congress appropriated as part of its COVID-19 relief package.