Benefits of Tariffs & Pool Participation 

With USF rate-of-return reform bringing about widespread industry change and anticipated revisions to broadband funding, participating in NECA's pools and tariffs is more important than ever.  

Pooling helps members manage cost recovery, cash flow and reporting obligations

Participating in the NECA pool shares the risks of inaccurate forecasting among other pool members, minimizing the effects on any individual pool member. Pooling also helps members realize the authorized rate of return on interstate investment on a timely basis, stabilizes cash flow, and minimizes the risks of unforeseen events such as natural disasters or loss of large customers. We also facilitate the preparation of mandatory data collections and file that data on behalf of our pool members, so they avoid considerable time and expense, as well as the risk of penalties or forfeiture of funds for missed or inaccurate filings.

Tariffs keep pace with emerging market needs 

We continue to seek innovative tariff solutions to address the changing marketplace. In addition to our rate banding process, which gives members the ability to charge rates closer to their actual costs and demand, our rate band buy down option gives members even more flexibility by allowing them to charge rates using a lower rate band than the one initially assigned by NECA. This allows members to reduce rates while still enjoying all the benefits of participating in NECA’s tariff. 

2018 tariff initiatives 

Building on last year’s efforts to add or enhance services to align our interstate access tariff (F.C.C. No. 5) with market realities, we are planning many key initiatives for 2018, including:

• Creating ETS E-rate options for interested members. 
  
  
• Adding an ETS bandwidth add-on option on speeds greater than 1 Gbps. 
  
  
• Examining ETS costs to determine if rate realignment is warranted. 
  
  
• Adding ETS speeds up to 200 Gbps.
  
  
• Investigating the addition of an ETS multi-member volume discount to support public safety. 

2017 offerings respond to member needs

In 2017, we continued to align our interstate access tariff with market realities by increasing tariff flexibility. Here are some of our accomplishments:

• Created ETS E-rate options.
  
  
• Developed requirements that allow a single customer to have multiple ETS Term Discount Plans with an ILEC.
  
  
• Implemented ETS Fixed Rate Option Plan 4 agreement.
  

NECA works directly with the FCC on members’ behalf

Our regulatory expertise includes closely monitoring FCC activity with regard to access tariffs and rule changes, taking action to support member needs and keeping them informed of how these complex matters affect them. We work directly with FCC staff to clarify and resolve many telecom and broadband-related issues, including universal service requirements, so members don’t have to expend efforts in this increasingly complex area. 

Training options tailored to meet member needs

Members can also take advantage of our free training sessions on a wide variety of topics. Many of these sessions are webcasts, so members can receive training without spending time out of the office and avoid the associated travel costs. 

We’re here for members

NECA is dedicated to providing outstanding member service and communications as we work together through the transitions facing the industry. We are committed to helping members adapt to the new regulatory landscape and continuing to deliver the vital communications services needed to keep customers connected.