NTCA survey lauds USA Rural Providers

22% of NTCA members participated in the online survey held in the spring of 2016. The report highlights successes achieved by independent, community-based telecommunications companies, who have been deploying and operating broadband-capable networks whilst facing significant marketplace and regulatory challenges. Increasing fibre deployment has resulted in higher broadband speeds for customers of small, rural telecommunications companies.

 

"Despite the challenges they face, rural telecommunications providers continue to look for and find ways to deliver the services their customers want and need. The availability of robust and reliable broadband service plays a vital role in supporting the ongoing viability of rural America" said NTCA Manager of Economic Research and Analysis Rick Schadelbauer. "The continued growth NTCA has seen over the past 15 years validates providers' decisions to make these services available, and we are hopeful that our members can build upon and sustain this success in years to come."

 

 

Rising takeup

 

Overall broadband takeup is 73%, up from 70% in 2015 and 1% in 2000. In 2013, 29% of respondents' customers had FTTH access. In this year's survey, almost half - 49% - were served with FTTH. In 2013 survey, 66% of respondents' customers had the option to subscribe to speeds of 10 Mb/s or higher. At present, 85% have access to service in excess of 10 Mb/s and 71% can subscribe to service of 25 Mb/s or greater.

 

91% of respondents in 2015 stated that the main barrier to widespread broadband availability was the cost of network deployment. Regulatory uncertainty was the second most-cited barrier (79%), followed by long loops (56%), current regulatory rules (56%), obtaining financing (27%), low customer demand (21%), fibre order fulfilment delays (19%) and obtaining cost-effective equipment (19%).