TIN:
SCHEDULE O
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ
Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or 990-EZ or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2020
Open to Public
Inspection
Inspection
Name of the organization
AMERICAN CABLE ASSOCIATION INC
Employer identification number
94-3180176
94-3180176
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| FORM 990, PART I, LINE 1, DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION MISSION: | THE AMERICAN CABLE ASSOCIATION, INC. (ACA CONNECTS) PURPOSE SHALL BE THE PROTECTION AND ADVANCEMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESSES BY INFORMING AND EDUCATING LEGISLATORS, REGULATORS, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND THE PUBLIC REGARDING THE UNIQUE NEEDS, INTERESTS AND THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY THESE SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES, AS WELL AS THE BENEFITS PROVIDED TO THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE. ACA CONNECTS ALSO PROVIDES REGULATORY, TECHNICAL, INDUSTRY INFORMATION AND EDUCATION TO ITS MEMBERS. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 1, DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION MISSION: | THE AMERICAN CABLE ASSOCIATION, INC. (ACA CONNECTS) PURPOSE SHALL BE THE PROTECTION AND ADVANCEMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESSES BY INFORMING AND EDUCATING LEGISLATORS, REGULATORS, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND THE PUBLIC REGARDING THE UNIQUE NEEDS, INTERESTS AND THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY THESE SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES, AS WELL AS THE BENEFITS PROVIDED TO THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE. ACA CONNECTS ALSO PROVIDES REGULATORY, TECHNICAL, INDUSTRY INFORMATION AND EDUCATION TO ITS MEMBERS. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: | ACA CONNECTS KEY DEVELOPMENTS FOR 2020 ACA CONNECTS COMMENDS CONGRESS FOR APPROVING FUNDS TO HELP AMERICANS MAINTAIN BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY DURING COVID-19 CRISIS ON DECEMBER 21, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON THE NEW BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION BY CONGRESS DESIGNED TO HELP MILLIONS OF AMERICANS RECOVER FROM THE COVID-19 CRISIS BY FACILITATING ACCESS TO BROADBAND INTERNET SERVICE, AMONG OTHER THINGS: "THE COVID EMERGENCY HAS HIGHLIGHTED BOTH THE VALUE AND IMPORTANCE OF BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY AND THAT ALL AMERICANS MUST HAVE ACCESS TO SUCH SERVICE DURING THE EMERGENCY AND BEYOND. IT IS FOR THAT REASON THAT ACA CONNECTS URGED CONGRESS IN THE COVID EMERGENCY LEGISLATION TO DIRECT SUPPORT TO HELP IN-NEED INDIVIDUALS OBTAIN SUCH CONNECTIVITY, AND WE COMMEND CONGRESS FOR ADOPTING THIS APPROACH. POLKA ADDED, "BY PROVIDING $3.2 BILLION IN DIRECT SUPPORT FOR BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES, AS WELL NEW STIMULUS CHECKS AND ADDITIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE, CONGRESS WILL HELP AMERICANS STAY CONNECTED FOR THE MONTHS AHEAD TO THE RELIABLE, ROBUST BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY THAT ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS AND OTHERS PROVIDE. THIS NEW FUNDING CAN MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE ONGOING EFFORTS OF OUR MEMBERS SINCE THE START OF THE EMERGENCY TO CONNECT, AND KEEP CONNECTED, EVERYONE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. "BUT IT IS CRITICAL THAT THE FCC IMPLEMENTS THE LAW BY ADOPTING RULES THAT FACILITATE PARTICIPATION BY THESE SMALLER BROADBAND PROVIDERS, WHO TODAY PROVIDE SERVICE TO SOME 10 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS IN MORE RURAL AREAS, MANY OF WHICH HAVE BEEN SEVERELY IMPACTED BY THE COVID EMERGENCY." ACA CONNECTS HONORS THE FCC SERVICE OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL O'RIELLY ON DEC. 10, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION SERVICE OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL O'RIELLY AS HIS TERM IN OFFICE COMES TO A CLOSE: "OVER THE YEARS, AS ACA CONNECTS GOT TO KNOW COMMISSIONER O'RIELLY IN HIS LEADERSHIP POSITION AT THE FCC, WE DEVELOPED NOTHING BUT THE DEEPEST RESPECT FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE COUNTRY AND HIS DEPENDABLE APPROACH TO LAW AND REGULATION. "TO HIS CREDIT, COMMISSIONER O'RIELLY WAS ALWAYS WILLING TO REACH OUT AND CONSIDER THE POINT OF VIEW OF INDEPENDENT VIDEO AND BROADBAND PROVIDERS. COMMISSIONER O'RIELLY HAD AN OPEN-DOOR APPROACH THAT DEMONSTRATED TO ALL STAKEHOLDERS, PRIVATE AND PUBLIC, THAT HE EXAMINED EACH ISSUE ON THE MERITS WITH AN OPEN MIND. THAT'S A MODEL FOR ANYONE IN PUBLIC SERVICE TO FOLLOW." POLKA ADDED, "WE ALSO GREATLY APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT HE WOULD SET ASIDE TIME TO ADDRESS ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS PERSONALLY AT OUR ANNUAL WASHINGTON, D.C., SUMMIT. CANDID AND APPROACHABLE, COMMISSIONER O'RIELLY TOLD IT LIKE IT IS, AND IT WAS NEVER A MYSTERY ABOUT WHERE WE STOOD WITH HIM ON THE ISSUES, WIN OR LOSE. "ACA CONNECTS WISHES COMMISSIONER O'RIELLY NOTHING BUT THE BEST AS HE MOVES INTO THE NEXT PHASE OF HIS CAREER." ACA CONNECTS CONGRATULATES NATHAN SIMINGTON ON HIS SENATE CONFIRMATION TO SERVE ON THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 8, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON THE SENATE CONFIRMATION OF NATHAN SIMINGTON TO SERVE AS A COMMISSIONER AT THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION: "ACA CONNECTS CONGRATULATES COMMISSIONER NATHAN SIMINGTON ON HIS SENATE CONFIRMATION, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH HIM ON THE KEY ISSUES AT THE TOP OF THE COUNTRY'S COMMUNICATIONS AGENDA, INCLUDING EFFORTS TO DELIVER HIGH-PERFORMANCE BROADBAND SERVICE TO ALL AMERICANS. ACA CONNECTS AGREES WITH COMMISSIONER SIMINGTON, WHO NOTED IN HIS SENATE TESTIMONY LAST MONTH THAT WE ARE MUCH CLOSER TO CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE TODAY THAN WE WERE A FEW SHORT YEARS AGO BUT WE MUST CONTINUE TO SEEK OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE AND EXTEND CONNECTIVITY," POLKA SAID. ACA CONNECTS CHAIRMAN PATRICIA JO BOYERS CONGRATULATES REP. CATHY MCMORRIS RODGERS ON HER HISTORIC ELECTION AS REPUBLICAN LEADER OF THE HOUSE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE ON DEC. 2, 2020, ACA CONNECTS CHAIRMAN PATRICIA JO BOYERS, WHO IS PRESIDENT OF BOYCOM VISION IN POPLAR BLUFF, MO., ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON TODAY'S ELECTION OF REP. CATHY MCMORRIS RODGERS (R-WASH.) AS THE NEW REPUBLICAN LEADER OF THE HOUSE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, BEGINNING IN THE 117TH CONGRESS: "ACA CONNECTS CONGRATULATES REP. CATHY MCMORRIS RODGERS ON HER HISTORIC ELECTION AS THE FIRST WOMAN TO BECOME THE REPUBLICAN LEADER OF THE HOUSE ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE. THIS COMMITTEE OVERSEES A VAST ARRAY OF SECTORS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO OUR NATION. WE APPRECIATE ALL HER TIME AND EFFORT ON MANY TOPICS OF IMPACT AND IMPORTANCE TO OUR ACA CONNECTS MEMBERSHIP AND LOOK FORWARD TO FURTHER WORK ON THE ISSUES OF IMPORTANCE TO THE VIDEO AND BROADBAND INDUSTRY. WE HAVE ALWAYS RESPECTED HER ABILITY TO WORK WITH EVERYONE ON THE TOUGH ISSUES THE COMMITTEE MUST FACE. WE HAVE ALSO APPRECIATED HER WILLINGNESS TO LOOK OUT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE RURAL COMMUNITIES THAT SO MANY OF OUR MEMBERS SERVE." BOYERS ADDED, "IMPORTANTLY, WE ARE GRATEFUL THAT REP. MCMORRIS RODGERS COMING FROM A CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT IN EASTERN WASHINGTON STATE NOTED FOR ITS RURAL PROFILE WILL ENSURE THAT THE RURAL VOICE OF AMERICA REMAINS FRONT AND CENTER ON SO MANY POLICY DECISIONS." ACA CONNECTS SALUTES FCC CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI ON HIS TIME SERVING THE AMERICAN PUBLIC AT THE NATION'S CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY BODY ON NOVEMBER 30, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON FCC CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI'S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT HE WILL LEAVE THE AGENCY ON JAN. 20, 2021: "ACA CONNECTS SALUTES FCC CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI ON HIS TENURE AT THE AGENCY, INCLUDING HIS TIME AS A COMMISSIONER BEFORE RISING TO CHAIRMAN IN 2017. WE COMMEND HIM ON HIS EFFORTS TO CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE, ELIMINATE OUTDATED REGULATIONS, AND ACCOUNT FOR THE DISPARATE IMPACT THAT GOVERNMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS HAVE ON SMALL BUSINESSES. "WITH RESPECT TO BROADBAND, HIS FCC FOSTERED A REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT THAT FACILITATED ENORMOUS INVESTMENT, SUCH THAT DURING THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY OUR BROADBAND NETWORKS WERE FULLY CAPABLE OF SUPPORTING AMERICANS WORKING FROM HOME. IN ADDITION, CHAIRMAN PAI'S FCC REFORMED AND UPDATED THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAMS, SHRINKING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE." POLKA ADDED, "ON VIDEO, HIS FCC MODERNIZED NUMEROUS MEDIA RULES AND IMPLEMENTED THE RETRANSMISSION CONSENT/GOOD FAITH PROVISIONS FOR BUYING GROUPS OF SMALLER MVPDS, WHICH ALLOWED THESE PROVIDERS TO BETTER COMPETE. FINALLY, HIS FCC'S C-BAND ORDER ALLOWED EARTH STATION OPERATORS THE OPTION TO MAKE C-BAND TRANSITION DECISIONS THAT MEET THEIR NEEDS. WE WISH CHAIRMAN PAI NOTHING BUT THE BEST IN HIS BRIGHT FUTURE AND THANK HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE." |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: | ACA CONNECTS CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT BIDEN AND VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT HARRIS ON THEIR 2020 VICTORY ON NOV. 8, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON THE RESULTS OF THE 2020 ELECTIONS, LED BY THE ELECTION OF OF VICE PRESIDENT JOSEPH R. BIDEN, JR., AS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND SEN. KAMALA D. HARRIS AS VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: "ACA CONNECTS HAS HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO WORK IN A BIPARTISAN AND PRODUCTIVE MANNER WITH FOUR PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATIONS IN OUR HISTORY, AND THIS WEEKEND'S NEWS PROJECTS THAT A NEW ADMINISTRATION IS ON THE WAY. "WE CONGRATULATE PRESIDENT-ELECT BIDEN AND VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT HARRIS ON THEIR VICTORY, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE PRESIDENT-ELECT, HIS ADMINISTRATION AND THE CONGRESS TO ENSURE BROADBAND CONNECTIONS FOR ALL AMERICANS." POLKA ADDED, "THIS PANDEMIC HAS MADE THE POWERFUL CASE THAT CONNECTIVITY IS A PRIORITY FOR EVERY FAMILY AND BUSINESS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH EVERYONE IN THIS NEW ADMINISTRATION TO BUILD UPON THE HERCULEAN EFFORTS OUR MEMBERS HAVE MADE AS THEY CONTINUE TO SERVE THEIR CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES DURING THE ONGOING PANDEMIC. OUR MEMBERS, WHO SERVE RURAL AND HARD-TO-REACH AREAS ACROSS THE NATION, WILL BE KEY ALLIES IN THE EFFORT TO COMPLETE THE TASK OF BROADBAND EVERYWHERE. OUR MEMBERS HAVE AND WILL CONTINUE TO INVEST, INNOVATE AND DEPLOY BROADBAND TO THE MOST REMOTE PLACES IN AMERICA. "PRIVATE INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT MUST WORK TOGETHER ON BROADBAND POLICIES THAT FOCUS ON GETTING BROADBAND TO UNSERVED AREAS, SERVING SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS, ENABLING REMOTE HEALTH SERVICES, AND PROVIDING AFFORDABLE SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES. ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS WILL GET THE JOB DONE WITH THE HELP OF WASHINGTON TO PROVIDE HELP WHERE IT IS NEEDED MOST. OUR COMMITMENT TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT, HIS ADMINISTRATION, AND TO CONGRESS IS TO NEVER STOP DOING ALL WE CAN TO ENSURE EVERY AMERICAN REMAINS CONNECTED. "FINALLY, WHILE THERE IS CHANGE IN WASHINGTON, THERE IS NO CHANGE FOR US AT ACA CONNECTS. DESPITE THE ELECTIONS, NOTHING CHANGES FOR US IN OUR COMMITMENT TO WORK WITH ALL, WHETHER DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN, SENATE OR HOUSE, MAJORITY OR MINORITY. IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE AND HONOR TO DO SO, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAYS AND WORK TOGETHER FOR ALL AMERICANS." ACA CONNECTS AND EDUCATIONSUPERHIGHWAY ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP ON 'K-12 BRIDGE TO BROADBAND' INITIATIVE TO MEET STUDENT CONNECTIVITY NEEDS ON OCTOBER 13, 2020, ACA CONNECTS AND EDUCATIONSUPERHIGHWAY ANNOUNCED THEY ARE PARTNERING IN SUPPORT OF THE "K-12 BRIDGE TO BROADBAND" INITIATIVE TO CONNECT STUDENTS WITH ONLINE LEARNING. UNDER THIS PROGRAM, BROADBAND SERVICE PROVIDERS HELP SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND STATES IDENTIFY STUDENTS THAT LACK BROADBAND AT HOME AND THEN SUPPLY THESE CONNECTIONS. "THE K-12 BRIDGE TO BROADBAND PROGRAM IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS, SCHOOLS, AND THEIR COMMUNITIES. WE ARE HONORED TO JOIN WITH EDUCATIONSUPERHIGHWAY IN THIS INITIATIVE," SAID ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA. "BROADBAND IS ESSENTIAL FOR STUDENTS, AND NEVER HAS THIS BEEN TRUER THAN DURING THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY. WITHOUT ROBUST BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY FOR ONLINE LEARNING, STUDENTS WHO NEED TO LEARN FROM HOME WILL BE LEFT BEHIND, AND THAT IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE. THE K-12 BRIDGE TO BROADBAND PROGRAM IS TARGETED AT ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM, AND OUR MEMBERS ARE WELL-POSITIONED TO HELP. IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS AMERICA, THEY HAVE DEPLOYED HIGH-PERFORMANCE NETWORKS THAT CAN DELIVER BROADBAND SERVICE TO STUDENTS IN NEED." PROVIDERS THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM AGREE TO FOLLOW A SET OF CORE PRINCIPLES, WHICH INCLUDE CREATING A "SPONSORED SERVICE" OFFERING THAT SCHOOLS CAN PURCHASE ON BEHALF OF STUDENTS; WORKING WITH SCHOOLS TO IDENTIFY UNSERVED STUDENT HOMES; STANDARDIZING ELIGIBILITY; FACILITATING ENROLLMENT; AND ABIDING BY PRIVACY PROTECTIONS. "EDUCATIONSUPERHIGHWAY IS EXCITED TO PARTNER WITH ACA CONNECTS ON THE K-12 BRIDGE TO BROADBAND PROGRAM," SAID EDUCATIONSUPERHIGHWAY CEO EVAN MARWELL. "MEETING THE CONNECTIVITY NEEDS OF STUDENTS WILL TAKE BROADBAND PROVIDERS OF ALL SIZES AND IN ALL AREAS, INCLUDING THE COMMUNITY-BASED PROVIDERS THAT MAKE UP ACA CONNECTS' MEMBERSHIP. WE ARE THRILLED TO HAVE THEM ON BOARD." ACA CONNECTS APPLAUDS FCC ACTIONS ON STIR/SHAKEN AND CABLE SERVICE CHANGE NOTIFICATIONS ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT REGARDING RECENT ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION: STIR/SHAKEN "ON TUESDAY, THE FCC TOOK IMPORTANT STEPS TO FULFILL ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE TRACED ACT WITH ITS ADOPTION OF AN ORDER TO FACILITATE DEPLOYMENT OF STIR/SHAKEN AND OTHER ROBOCALL MITIGATION MEASURES. WE ARE PLEASED THE FCC EASED SMALL VOICE PROVIDERS' IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY IN THEIR INTERNET PROTOCOL NETWORKS BY PROVIDING THEM TWO ADDITIONAL YEARS TO ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE. ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS ARE EAGER TO BRING THEIR CUSTOMERS RELIEF FROM THE TORRENT OF UNWANTED AND ILLEGAL ROBOCALLS AND ARE COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH THE FCC AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TOWARDS THIS END. WE COMMEND THE FCC FOR GETTING US ANOTHER STEP CLOSER WITH THE ADOPTION OF TUESDAY'S ORDER," POLKA SAID. CABLE SERVICE CHANGE NOTIFICATIONS "WE APPLAUD THE FCC FOR ITS REPORT AND ORDER ADOPTED TODAY THAT CLARIFIES THAT CABLE OPERATORS MUST NOTIFY CUSTOMERS "AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," RATHER THAN 30 DAYS IN ADVANCE, WHEN A FAILURE IN CARRIAGE NEGOTIATIONS RESULTS IN A CHANNEL BLACKOUT. THIS DECISION REFLECTS THE REALITY OF THE MARKETPLACE, IN WHICH DEALS ARE NEGOTIATED UP TO THE LAST MINUTE. BY CLARIFYING THAT CABLE OPERATORS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO NOTIFY CUSTOMERS THAT THERE'S A POSSIBILITY OF A BLACKOUT NO MATTER HOW SMALL THE FCC WILL PREVENT CONSUMERS FROM BEING FLOODED WITH IRRELEVANT NOTICES THAT ARE MORE LIKELY TO CONFUSE THAN INFORM THEM. WE ALSO COMMEND THE FCC FOR OTHER MEASURES TAKEN IN TODAY'S ORDER TO STREAMLINE THE CABLE SERVICE CHANGE NOTIFICATION RULES AND FREE CABLE OPERATORS FROM OUTDATED OBLIGATIONS," POLKA ADDED. ACA CONNECTS SAYS BROADBAND BEING DEPLOYED IN A REASONABLE AND TIMELY FASHION ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2020, ACA CONNECTS, WHOSE MEMBERS PROVIDE BROADBAND SERVICE TO MILLIONS OF RURAL CONSUMERS, URGED THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION TO FIND THAT BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS CONTINUES TO BE DEPLOYED IN A REASONABLE AND TIMELY FASHION, ADDING THAT NETWORK PERFORMANCE DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE COVID-19 CRISIS ALSO DEMONSTRATED THESE NETWORKS' ROBUSTNESS AND RELIABILITY. "THIS SUCCESS STORY IS THE RESULT OF BROADBAND PROVIDERS' SUSTAINED INVESTMENTS IN THEIR NETWORKS DRIVEN TO A SIGNIFICANT EXTENT BY COMPETITIVE FORCES, A LIGHT-TOUCH REGULATORY REGIME AND THE FCC'S EFFORTS TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO DEPLOYMENT TO MEET THEIR CUSTOMERS' RAPIDLY GROWING APPETITES FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE, HIGH-CAPACITY BROADBAND SERVICE," ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA SAID. THE FCC DEFINES BROADBAND AS THE PROVISION OF 25/3 MBPS SPEED FROM FIXED BROADBAND SERVICE, VIEWING IT AS THE LEVEL NECESSARY TO PROVIDE USERS THE ABILITY TO ORIGINATE AND RECEIVE HIGH-QUALITY VOICE, DATA, GRAPHICS, AND VIDEO TELECOMMUNICATIONS. ACA URGED THE FCC TO MAINTAIN THE SAME BENCHMARK BECAUSE DOING SO FACILITATES THE ABILITY TO MAKE USEFUL YEAR-TO-YEAR COMPARISONS IN TERMS OF MEASURING PROGRESS. ACA CONNECTS CITED NUMEROUS INSTANCES WHERE MEMBERS HAVE MADE INVESTMENTS THAT RESULTED IN CONSUMER ACCESS TO BROADBAND SPEEDS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS THAT FAR EXCEED THE FCC'S DEFINITIONAL THRESHOLD. THE COMMENTS ALSO UNDERSCORED THE STEPS ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS HAVE TAKEN TO MEET THE NEEDS OF FAMILIES, STUDENTS AND ANCHOR INSTITUTION THAT WERE NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY THE COVID-19 CRISIS. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: | ON ADEQUACY OF C-BAND LUMP-SUM DISTRIBUTION, ACA CONNECTS REFUTES FCC ON KEY ISSUES, URGES COURT TO STAY SEPT. 14 ELECTION DEADLINE ON SEPT. 8, 2020, ACA CONNECTS URGED A FEDERAL COURT TO BLOCK THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION FROM REQUIRING EARTH STATION OWNERS TO MAKE A KEY DECISION BY SEPT. 14 WITH RESPECT TO CLEARING A SEGMENT OF THE C-BAND AIRWAVES FOR FUTURE USE BY 5G WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS PROVIDERS. THE FCC HAS GIVEN EARTH-STATION OWNERS UNTIL NEXT MONDAY TO DECIDE WHETHER THEY WANT TO HAVE SATELLITE OPERATORS PROCURE EQUIPMENT AND PERFORM NECESSARY UPGRADES FOR EARTH-STATION OWNERS TO CONTINUE RECEIVING C-BAND SERVICE, OR WHETHER THEY WANT TO ACCEPT A LUMP-SUM PAYMENT THAT CAN BE USED TO CLEAR THE PORTION OF THE C-BAND IN OTHER WAYS, SUCH AS BY REPLACING SATELLITE RECEPTION WITH FIBER. THE FCC'S WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU ("WTB") ANNOUNCED THE AMOUNT OF THE LUMP SUM ON JULY 30. ACA CONNECTS FILED AN APPLICATION FOR REVIEW ASKING THE FULL FCC TO REVIEW THE WTB'S DETERMINATION, WHICH THE FCC HAS NOT YET RULED ON. IN LIGHT OF THE IMPENDING SEPT. 14 DEADLINE FOR CHOOSING BETWEEN PAID-FOR RELOCATION OR THE LUMP SUM, ACA CONNECTS FILED A PETITION WITH THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIRCUIT ON AUGUST 27, ASKING THE COURT TO BAR THE FCC FROM ENFORCING THE SEPT. 14 DEADLINE PENDING A DECISION ON ACA CONNECTS' APPLICATION FOR REVIEW AND ANY NECESSARY JUDICIAL REVIEW. ACA CONNECTS TO FCC: ADOPT RULES TO ENSURE POLE REPLACEMENT FEES ARE JUST AND REASONABLE ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2020, IN RESPONSE TO AN NCTA PETITION, ACA CONNECTS FILED COMMENTS WITH THE FCC YESTERDAY CALLING ON THE AGENCY TO ADOPT RULES TO ADDRESS THE UNJUST AND UNREASONABLE CHARGES AND PRACTICES ITS MEMBERS OFTEN FACE WHEN THEY SEEK TO ATTACH TO INVESTOR-OWNED UTILITY POLES THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED. "ACA CONNECTS AGREES WITH NCTA THAT THERE IS MORE THAN SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT UNREASONABLE POLE REPLACEMENT CHARGES AND PRACTICES ARE A BARRIER TO CABLE AND BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT, INCLUDING IN UNSERVED AREAS WHERE THE AVAILABLE INFRASTRUCTURE HAS OFTEN OUTLIVED ITS USEFUL LIFE," ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA SAID. "THE FCC NEEDS TO STEP IN AND ENSURE THAT POLE REPLACEMENT COSTS ARE ALLOCATED FAIRLY AND THAT POLE OWNERS DO NOT SHIFT TO NEW ATTACHERS THE COSTS OF MAINTAINING AND UPGRADING THEIR OWN CAPITAL ASSETS." IN ITS COMMENTS, ACA CONNECTS CITED NUMEROUS EXAMPLES OF UNJUST POLE REPLACEMENT CHARGES, INCLUDING ONE MEMBER THAT WAS STUCK WITH THE BILL TO REPLACE A 75-YEAR-OLD, FAILING POLE. "THE LACK OF CLEAR 'GUARDRAILS' REGARDING MAKE-READY FEES, INCLUDING FOR POLE REPLACEMENTS, HAS CREATED A REGULATORY GAP THAT UTILITIES EXPLOIT TO THEIR FINANCIAL BENEFIT," POLKA SAID. "NCTA'S PETITION UNDERSCORES THE EXTENT AND SEVERITY OF THIS PROBLEM AND THE NEED FOR THE FCC TO STEP UP AND PROVIDE SOME GUARDRAILS." ACA CONNECTS NOTED THAT THE FCC SOUGHT COMMENT IN 2017 ON THE ADOPTION OF RULES TO LIMIT MAKE-READY CHARGES, AND IN DOING SO HAS LAID THE FOUNDATION TO MOVE DIRECTLY TO FINAL RULES BASED ON THE RECORD DEVELOPED IN RESPONSE. ACA CONNECTS CALLS ON FCC TO TAKE MEASURED APPROACH IN IMPLEMENTING TRACED ACT PROVISIONS ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2020, ACA CONNECTS APPLAUDED THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION'S EFFORTS ON MANY FRONTS TO STEM THE TIDE OF ILLEGAL AND UNWANTED ROBOCALLS, INCLUDING ITS WORK ACROSS MANY PROCEEDINGS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THE TRACED ACT. AS THE FCC CONSIDERS FURTHER REGULATORY STEPS, THE AGENCY SHOULD PROCEED WITH CAUTION TO ENSURE IT DOES NOT IMPOSE BURDENS ON PROVIDERS THAT OUTWEIGH THEIR BENEFITS OR ADOPT RULES IN ONE PROCEEDING THAT UNDERMINE THE POLICIES SET FORTH IN ANOTHER. THE TRADE ASSOCIATION MADE SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE AGENCY ALONG THESE LINES IN COMMENTS FILED ON AUG. 31. "THE FCC IS TAKING IMPORTANT STEPS TO PROTECT CUSTOMERS FROM FRAUDULENT AND ABUSIVE CALLS, AND OUR MEMBERS ARE PLEASED TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION," SAID ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA. "OUR COMMENTS ARE OFFERED IN THE SPIRIT OF FINDING SOLUTIONS THAT SERVE THE NEEDS OF CONSUMERS AND ARE WORKABLE FOR PROVIDERS, INCLUDING SMALLER VOICE SERVICE PROVIDERS THAT ARE EAGER TO HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS BUT MUST GET THE JOB DONE WITH LIMITED RESOURCES AND PERSONNEL." IN ITS COMMENTS, ACA CONNECTS URGED THE FCC TO REFRAIN FROM IMPOSING PRESCRIPTIVE AND COSTLY REDRESS REQUIREMENTS ON VOICE PROVIDERS THAT OFFER CALL-BLOCKING SERVICES, INCLUDING THIRD-PARTY BLOCKING TOOLS THAT ARE POPULAR AMONG SMALLER PROVIDERS AND THEIR CUSTOMERS. THE COMMENTS NOTED THAT THE FCC JUST RECENTLY ADOPTED MORE FLEXIBLE REQUIREMENTS AND SHOULD GIVE THEM TIME TO TAKE HOLD IN THE MARKETPLACE BEFORE JUDGING THEM INSUFFICIENT. ACA CONNECTS ASKS COURT TO STOP FCC FROM FORCING EARTH STATION OWNERS TO PREMATURELY MAKE CRITICAL C-BAND ELECTION ON SEPT. 14 ON AUG. 27, 2020, ACA CONNECTS, REPRESENTING SEVERAL HUNDRED MULTICHANNEL VIDEO PROGRAMMING DISTRIBUTORS (MVPDS), MOSTLY IN RURAL AMERICA, FILED A WRIT OF MANDAMUS IN THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIRCUIT, TO HALT THE SEPT. 14 DEADLINE FOR EARTH-STATION OPERATORS TO ELECT WHETHER TO ACCEPT AN INADEQUATELY DETERMINED LUMP-SUM PAYMENT AS PART OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION'S (FCC) C-BAND TRANSITION. THE DEFICIENCIES IN FORMULATING THE LUMP-SUM AMOUNT COULD INDEFINITELY DEFER FIBER-OPTIC DEPLOYMENT THAT WOULD ALLOW UPGRADES AND EXPANSION OF BROADBAND ACCESS IN AREAS SERVED BY ACA CONNECTS' MEMBERS. "IF MVPDS ARE FORCED TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE, IRREVOCABLE DECISION WHETHER TO ACCEPT THE FCC'S WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU'S DEFICIENT LUMP-SUM AMOUNT, THEY WILL HAVE A STRONG INCENTIVE TO FORGO THE LUMP-SUM OPTION AND CHOOSE EARTH STATION RELOCATION EVEN IF UPGRADING TO FIBER WOULD BE LESS COSTLY OVERALL. THE ADDED PUBLIC BENEFITS FROM FIBER UPGRADES WOULD BE LOST. AND ONCE LOST, THOSE BENEFITS CANNOT EASILY BE SALVAGED," ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA SAID. THE FCC'S C-BAND PROCEEDING IS AN EFFORT TO CLEAR OUT A PORTION OF THE AIRWAVES FOR FUTURE USE BY 5G WIRELESS PROVIDERS. THE C-BAND SPECTRUM TO BE VACATED IS CURRENTLY IN HEAVY USE BY CABLE OPERATORS, WHICH USE EARTH STATIONS TO RECEIVE VIDEO PROGRAMMING FROM SATELLITES THROUGH THE C-BAND. MIGRATION COSTS TO RELOCATE C-BAND EARTH STATIONS ARE SUBSTANTIAL. ACA CONNECTS ASKS FCC TO STAY C-BAND ELECTION DEADLINE TO ESTABLISH GENUINE CHOICE FOR EARTH STATION OWNERS FACING IRREPARABLE HARM FROM INADEQUATE LUMP-SUM PAYMENT ON AUGUST 14, 2020, ACA CONNECTS ASKED THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION TO STAY THE AUG. 31, 2020 C-BAND LUMP-SUM ELECTION DEADLINE TO GIVE EARTH STATION OWNERS ADEQUATE TIME TO DEMONSTRATE IN COURT, IF NECESSARY THAT THE FCC'S WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION BUREAU'S LUMP-SUM DETERMINATION IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE COMMISSION'S C-BAND ORDER, RESTS ON ARBITRARY AND CAPRICIOUS REASONING, AND WAS DEVELOPED IN VIOLATION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT'S PUBLIC-NOTICE AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS. CONCURRENTLY WITH THE STAY REQUEST, ACA CONNECTS FILED AN APPLICATION FOR REVIEW WITH THE FCC PRESENTING THOSE LEGAL ARGUMENTS AND ASKING THE FCC TO CORRECT THE BUREAU'S ERRONEOUS DETERMINATION. THE FCC IS IN THE PROCESS OF CLEARING A BROAD SWATH OF THE C-BAND FOR FUTURE USE BY WIRELESS 5G COMMUNICATIONS PROVIDERS. A KEY COMPONENT OF THE PLAN INVOLVES REIMBURSING INCUMBENT USERS THAT ARE FORCED TO VACATE THE CLEARED PORTION OF THE C-BAND. THOSE USERS MAY CHOOSE EITHER TO MIGRATE THEIR THOUSANDS OF EARTH STATIONS TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE SERVICES ON OTHER PORTIONS OF THE C-BAND, OR TO RECEIVE A LUMP-SUM PAYMENT THAT CAN BE USED TOWARD CONVERTING TO ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES, SUCH AS FIBER. ACA CONNECTS' FILINGS COME FOLLOWING RELEASE OF A PUBLIC NOTICE BY THE WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU IN WHICH THE BUREAU CONCLUDED THAT THE LUMP-SUM AMOUNT FOR MULTICHANNEL VIDEO PROGRAMMING DISTRIBUTORS (MVPDS) WOULD EXCLUDE THE COST OF INTEGRATED RECEIVER/DECODERS (IRDS). OMITTING IRD COSTS RESULTS IN THE LUMP-SUM PAYMENT BECOMING A LESSER OPTION, DEFEATING THE COMMISSION'S PRIOR DECISION TO GIVE INDIVIDUAL EARTH STATION OWNERS FLEXIBILITY TO DECIDE WHETHER IT WOULD BE MORE EFFICIENT TO CONTINUE UTILIZING THE C-BAND, OR INSTEAD APPLY THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY TOWARD BUILDING A PREDOMINANTLY FUTURE-PROOF, FIBER-BASED, VIDEO DISTRIBUTION NETWORK. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: | ACA CONNECTS: COURT DECISION UPHOLDING FCC POLE ATTACHMENT ORDER WILL DRIVE BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT ON AUG. 12, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: "TODAY'S DECISION BY THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE 9TH CIRCUIT, UPHOLDING CRITICAL ASPECTS OF THE FCC'S 2018 POLE ATTACHMENT ORDER, IS GOOD NEWS FOR ANYONE THAT WANTS TO SEE BROADBAND PROVIDERS ACCELERATE THEIR NETWORK DEPLOYMENTS IN ALL AREAS OF THE COUNTRY. AS ACA CONNECTS DEMONSTRATED TO THE FCC, FAR TOO OFTEN INVESTOR-OWNED UTILITIES HOLD UP OR SEEK TO IMPOSE EXCESSIVE FEES ON NEW ATTACHERS, WHICH CAN RESULT IN THE NEW ATTACHER DECIDING TO WALK AWAY FROM A BUILD. "THE FCC'S ORDER SEEKS TO DRAW CLEAR LINES PREVENTING SUCH BEHAVIOR BY UTILITIES. ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS WANT TO WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH UTILITIES TO EXPEDITE POLE ATTACHMENTS AND OBTAIN ACCESS TO CONDUIT AT REASONABLE COST, AND THEY WANT UTILITIES TO RECIPROCATE. WITH THE COURT ENDORSING THE FCC'S ORDER, WE HOPE THAT OUR AIM BECOMES REALITY. IN THE END, WE ALL SHOULD KEEP OUR EYE ON THE PRIZE BRINGING HIGH-PERFORMANCE BROADBAND SERVICE TO ALL AMERICANS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE." ACA CONNECTS REJECTS FCC'S C-BAND LUMP SUM "NON-OPTION" ON JULY 30, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT REGARDING THE PUBLIC NOTICE RELEASED THIS MORNING BY THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION'S WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU, WHICH ANNOUNCED THE LUMP SUM AMOUNTS THAT WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO MVPD EARTH STATION OPERATORS WHO ARE REQUIRED TO CLEAR OUT OF THE LOWER PORTION OF THE C-BAND: "INSTEAD OF FOLLOWING THE CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS OF THE FCC'S FEBRUARY ORDER TO ANNOUNCE A LUMP SUM AMOUNT FOR EARTH STATION OPERATORS WHO WANT TO RELOCATE OUT OF THE LOWER PORTION OF C-BAND ON THEIR OWN, THE WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU CHOSE TO EVISCERATE THE LUMP SUM CONCEPT AS PART OF TODAY'S PUBLIC NOTICE. AS A RESULT, HUNDREDS OF MVPDS WHO WERE RELYING ON THE TEXT OF THE FCC'S ORDER WILL NOW BE FORCED TO ABANDON THEIR SHOVEL-READY PLANS TO DEPLOY AND USE FIBER AS A SATELLITE REPLACEMENT. FOR MOST, IF NOT ALL, ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS, THE BUREAU'S MEAGER LUMP SUM PAYMENT HAS TURNED THE ORDER'S OPTION OF TRANSITIONING TO FIBER INTO A NON-OPTION. "IT DIDN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. THE LUMP SUM OPTION INCLUDED IN THE FCC'S FEBRUARY ORDER WAS THE PRODUCT OF REASONED DECISION MAKING THAT OCCURRED OVER A VERY LENGTHY PERIOD OF TIME. AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF THE OVER 2-1/2 YEARS IT TOOK FOR THE FCC TO GET TO AN ORDER IN THIS PROCEEDING, THE BUREAU COULD HAVE TAKEN ANOTHER COUPLE OF MONTHS TO GET THE LUMP SUM AMOUNT RIGHT WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE C-BAND AUCTION SCHEDULE OR THE ACCELERATED TRANSITION DEADLINES. HOWEVER, IN ITS OWN RUSH TO GET THINGS DONE, THE BUREAU HAS WHOLLY DISCARDED THE DIRECTIONS OF THE COMMISSION, AND IN TURN SMALL CABLE OPERATORSWHO NEVER ASKED FOR THIS TRANSITION, HAVE NOTHING TO GAIN FROM IT, AND ONLY ASK TO BE MADE WHOLEARE DENIED THE PROMISES THE COMMISSION MADE TO THEM IN THE C-BAND ORDER." ACA CONNECTS ANNOUNCES 2020-22 LEADERSHIP TEAM ON JULY 30, 2020, ACA CONNECTS ANNOUNCED ITS LEADERSHIP TEAM TO GUIDE THE NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION OVER THE NEXT YEAR TWO YEARS, FOLLOWING BALLOTING BY HUNDREDS OF ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS, WHO HAVE A MOSTLY RURAL AND SUBURBAN PRESENCE IN ALL 50 STATES. THE TRADE GROUP ALSO ANNOUNCED THE BOARD OFFICIALS WHO WERE ELECTED TO SERVE THREE-YEAR TERMS. BALLOTING RESULTS FINALIZED JULY 27 SHOWED THAT PATRICIA JO BOYERS, PRESIDENT OF BOYCOM VISION, WAS RE-ELECTED CHAIRMAN AND MIKE BOWKER, COO OF CABLE ONE, WAS RE-ELECTED VICE CHAIRMAN, EACH TO TWO-YEAR TERMS. BOYERS IS THE OWNER AND OPERATOR OF A SMALL, RURAL CABLE COMPANY WITH HER HUSBAND, STEVE, IN POPLAR BLUFF, MO., A VENTURE THE ENTREPRENEURIAL PAIR STARTED NEARLY THREE DECADES AGO. TODAY, THEIR COMPANY SERVES ABOUT 3,000 CUSTOMERS. "WE AT ACA CONNECTS ARE ENORMOUSLY PROUD OF OUR GROUNDBREAKING WORK TO DELIVER THE BROADBAND NETWORKS TO THE MILLIONS WHO LIVE IN AMERICA'S SMALL CITIES AND TOWNS. DURING THIS PANDEMIC ENVIRONMENT, OUR MEMBERS SERVE AS BROADBAND LEADERS WHO WORK CLOSELY TO MEET THE COMMUNICATIONS NEEDS OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS, SMALL BUSINESSES, AREA HEALTH CARE CENTERS, AMONG OTHERS," BOYERS SAID. ACA CONNECTS APPLAUDS FCC FOR REAFFIRMING POLE ATTACHMENT RIGHTS OF COMMUNICATIONS PROVIDERS ON JULY 29, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: "ACA CONNECTS WELCOMES THE FCC WIRELINE COMPETITION BUREAU'S DECLARATORY RULING REAFFIRMING THAT UTILITY POLE OWNERS SUBJECT TO FCC JURISDICTION MAY NOT IMPOSE BLANKET BANS ON POLE ACCESS OR USE THEIR LEVERAGE TO DEMAND THAT ATTACHERS AGREE TO DEVIATIONS FROM THE FCC'S POLE ATTACHMENT RULES THAT BENEFIT ONLY THE UTILITY. "THE CLARITY THAT THIS RULING PROVIDES WILL HELP ENSURE THAT THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF PROVIDERS SEEKING POLE ACCESS TO BUILD OUT AND UPGRADE THEIR NETWORKS CANNOT BE DENIED BY POLE OWNERS. THE RULING WILL BE PARTICULARLY BENEFICIAL FOR SMALLER PROVIDERS, SUCH AS ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS, WHO LACK BARGAINING POWER IN THEIR NEGOTIATIONS WITH LARGE INVESTOR-OWNED UTILITIES FOR POLE ACCESS. WE APPLAUD THE FCC AND THE BUREAU FOR THIS ACTION." ACA CONNECTS TO FCC: TAKE A HARD LOOK AT SATELLITE OPERATORS' DEFICIENT C-BAND TRANSITION PLANS SATELLITE OPERATORS' INDIVIDUAL PLANS FOR COMPLETING THE TRANSITION OF ASSOCIATED EARTH STATION SERVICES TO THE UPPER PORTION OF THE C-BAND ARE DEFECTIVE AND RAISE CONCERNS ABOUT THE DEGREE TO WHICH THE SATELLITE OPERATORS INTEND TO FULFILL THEIR TRANSITION-RELATED RESPONSIBILITIES, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED CABLE TELEVISION PROVIDERS OF ACA CONNECTS TOLD THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION ON JULY 17, 2020. ACA CONNECTS EXPLAINED THAT EVEN WHERE THE SATELLITE OPERATORS PROPERLY ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY, THEIR TRANSITION PLANS ARE NOT CONSISTENT WITH FCC RULES. IN ITS COMMENTS, ACA CONNECTS URGED THE FCC TO CAREFULLY EXAMINE THE TRANSITION PLANS AND RELATED FILINGS OF SATELLITE OPERATORS SES AMERICOM AND INTELSAT, WHICH BETWEEN THEM ACCOUNT FOR ALMOST ALL C-BAND VIDEO PROGRAMMING DELIVERY TO PAY TELEVISION PROVIDERS IN THE U.S. ACA CONNECTS EXPLAINED THE SATELLITE OPERATORS' PLANS ARE DEFICIENT, DESPITE THE CLARITY WITH WHICH THE FCC OUTLINED THE SATELLITE OPERATORS' ROLES WHEN THEY ACCEPTED THE RESPONSIBILITIES, AS WELL AS FINANCIAL REWARDS, ASSOCIATED WITH ACCELERATED RELOCATION UNDER THE C-BAND ORDER. "GIVEN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SATELLITE OPERATORS HAVING AIRTIGHT PLANS IN PLACE FOR THE TRANSITION, THE FCC SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM ABOUT HOLDING THE SATELLITE OPERATORS' ACCOUNTABLE FOR PROVIDING A DETAILED PLAN THAT MEETS THE FCC'S REQUIREMENTS," ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA SAID. "IMPORTANTLY, THESE PLANS ALSO HELP CABLE OPERATORS SUCH AS ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS KNOW EXACTLY WHAT TO EXPECT AND WHEN, SO THEY CAN ALSO PREPARE FULLY FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION." ACA CONNECTS TO FCC: UNDERESTIMATING CABLE OPERATORS' AVERAGE COST TO COMPLETE THE C-BAND TRANSITION NEITHER SERVES THE OPERATORS' NOR THE FCC'S INTERESTS ON JUNE 17, 2020, THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION HEARD FROM SMALL, RURAL CABLE TELEVISION PROVIDERS THAT THE AGENCY'S RECENTLY PROPOSED LUMP SUM AMOUNTS WOULD FALL SHORT OF COVERING THE TRANSITION COSTS OF AN AVERAGE CABLE OPERATOR'S EARTH STATION THAT WOULD CONTINUE TO RELY UPON THE C-BAND, AND THE FCC'S WHOLLY NEW PROPOSAL THAT THE C-BAND RELOCATION CLEARINGHOUSE WOULD VERIFY THE TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE NEEDS OF EARTH STATIONS OWNED BY CABLE OPERATORS IS ILLICIT UNDER THE FCC'S C-BAND ORDER. ACA CONNECTS EXPLAINED THAT THE FCC'S PROPOSED ACTIONS WOULD EFFECTIVELY MAKE THE LUMP SUM OPTION NO OPTION AT ALL, WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO UNDERMINE THE AGENCY'S AIM TO SWIFTLY TRANSITION USE OF THE C-BAND. ACA CONNECTS RECOMMENDED IN ITS COMMENTS FILED THIS PAST MONDAY THAT THE FCC RE-WORK THESE TWO PROPOSALS AND NOT REACH A DECISION UNTIL IT ACCOUNTS FOR THE FINAL TRANSITION PLANS OF THE SATELLITE OPERATORS, WHICH ARE NOT DUE UNTIL AUGUST 14. "ACA CONNECTS SUPPORTS THE FCC'S PLANS TO RE-FARM THE C-BAND FOR 5G SERVICES, AND APPRECIATES THE CHALLENGES IT FACES IN DOING ALL THAT'S NECESSARY TO BE READY TO HOLD AN AUCTION IN DECEMBER," ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA SAID. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: | ACA CONNECTS PRAISES FCC FOR MOVING FORWARD ON THE RURAL DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FUND ON JUNE 9, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT REGARDING THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION'S VOTE TODAY TO MOVE FORWARD ON THE RURAL DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FUND (RDOF): "ACA CONNECTS SUPPORTS TODAY'S ACTION BY THE FCC TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE RURAL DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FUND PROGRAM, WHICH WILL BRING HIGHER-PERFORMANCE BROADBAND SERVICE TO MILLIONS OF UNSERVED LOCATIONS. WITH THE RDOF, THE FCC ALSO TAKES ANOTHER STEP TO ENSURE LIMITED GOVERNMENT FUNDING WILL BE DISTRIBUTED MORE EFFICIENTLY BY GIVING PROVIDERS OF ALL STRIPES, INCLUDING ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS, A FAIR AND REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM. "JUST AS WITH THE 2018 CONNECT AMERICA FUND AUCTION, WE EXPECT MANY ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS WILL SEEK TO TAKE PART IN OCTOBER'S RDOF AUCTION. IN THE END, THE WINNERS WILL BE CONSUMERS IN UNSERVED AREAS, WHO WILL GET UPGRADED BROADBAND SERVICE, AND THE AMERICAN PUBLIC, WHO WILL SEE GOVERNMENT FUNDING USED MORE EFFECTIVELY." ACA CONNECTS TO FCC: HELP OUR MEMBERS IMPLEMENT CALL AUTHENTICATION ON REASONABLE TIMELINES ON MAY 18, 2019, ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS SAID THEY ARE EAGER TO DEPLOY THE STIR/SHAKEN CALL AUTHENTICATION PROTOCOL IN THEIR IP NETWORKS LIKE THE COUNTRY'S LARGEST VOICE PROVIDERS, YET THEY WILL FACE CONSIDERABLE CHALLENGES IN DOING SO ON THE EXACT SAME TIMELINE. THE FCC SHOULD ADOPT ITS PROPOSED ONE-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION EXTENSION FOR SMALL PROVIDERS, AND IT SHOULD BE PREPARED TO EXTEND THE DEADLINE FURTHER IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT. THE AGENCY SHOULD ALSO TAKE FURTHER STEPS TO ENABLE SMALL PROVIDERS AND THEIR CUSTOMERS TO REAP THE BENEFITS OF THIS TECHNOLOGY. ACA CONNECTS MADE THESE POINTS IN COMMENTS FILED WITH THE AGENCY ON FRIDAY, MAY 15. THE TRADE ASSOCIATION NOTED THAT IT HAS ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN THE INDUSTRY'S WORK TO GET STIR/SHAKEN OFF THE GROUND, AND ITS MEMBERS ARE EAGER TO DEPLOY THE TECHNOLOGY IN THEIR NETWORKS. "STIR/SHAKEN IS A POWERFUL WEAPON TO HAVE IN THE ARSENAL IN THE INDUSTRY'S FIGHT AGAINST ROBOCALLS," ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA SAID. "THE TECHNOLOGY WILL BUILD ON STEPS OUR MEMBERS ARE ALREADY TAKING, SUCH AS OFFERING FREE BLOCKING TOOLS, TO DELIVER THEIR CUSTOMERS RELIEF FROM THE ROBOCALLS SCOURGE." YET WE ARE STILL IN THE EARLY STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF STIR/SHAKEN VENDOR SOLUTIONS THAT ARE SUITABLE AND COST-EFFECTIVE FOR SMALLER PROVIDERS, ACA CONNECTS NOTED. ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS EXTEND FCC'S 'KEEP AMERICANS CONNECTED' PLEDGE ON MAY 14, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT REGARDING THE FCC'S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT 774 BROADBAND AND TELEPHONE PROVIDERS HAVE TAKEN THE 'KEEP AMERICANS CONNECTED' PLEDGE AND EXTENDED THAT COMMITMENT THROUGH JUNE 30: "ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS HAVE BEEN LOOKING OUT FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITIES LONG BEFORE COVID-19, AND ALL OF THEM WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO LONG AFTERWARD. IT'S JUST THE THING THAT ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS DO. ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS EXTENDING THE FCC'S 'KEEP AMERICANS CONNECTED' PLEDGE IS MORE PROOF OF THIS POINT. IN TIMES OF TROUBLE, CONSUMERS CAN COUNT ON THEIR LOCAL SMALL BROADBAND PROVIDER. "ACA CONNECTS, TOO, HAS REAFFIRMED THE ASSOCIATION'S ENDORSEMENT OF THE PLEDGE THROUGH THE JUNE 30 EXTENSION PERIOD." ACA APPLAUDS FCC ADOPTION OF 'BUYING GROUP' PROVISIONS IN TELEVISION VIEWER PROTECTION ACT OF 2019 (TVPA) ON MAY 13, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION'S RELEASE OF AN ORDER IMPLEMENTING "BUYING GROUP" PROVISIONS IN THE TELEVISION VIEWER PROTECTION ACT OF 2019: "ACA CONNECTS WELCOMES THE FCC'S DECISION TO IMPLEMENT PROVISIONS OF THE TELEVISION VIEWER PROTECTION ACT THAT PERMIT BUYING GROUPS REPRESENTING SMALLER MULTICHANNEL VIDEO PROGRAMMING DISTRIBUTORS (MVPDS) TO NEGOTIATE RETRANSMISSION CONSENT AGREEMENTS WITH LARGE TELEVISION BROADCASTERS. THE FCC'S ACTION WILL BENEFIT BOTH THE MVPD MEMBERS OF SUCH BUYING GROUPS AND THE BROADCASTERS WITH WHOM SUCH BUYING GROUPS NEGOTIATE. "WE ESPECIALLY APPRECIATE THE FCC'S DECISION TO INTERPRET THE KEY STATUTORY TERMS 'LARGE STATION GROUP AND 'QUALIFIED MVPD BUYING GROUP' IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THE STATUTORY TEXT. THIS DECISION, UNOPPOSED BY ANY PARTY, WILL ENSURE THAT THE PROVISION FUNCTIONS AS CONGRESS INTENDED. "WE APPRECIATE THE FCC'S SWIFT ACTION SO OPERATORS MAY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PROVISION WHEN RENEGOTIATING THEIR CONTRACTS SET TO EXPIRE AT THE END OF THE YEAR." ACA CONNECTS TO N.Y. A.G.: RIGHT ISSUE, WRONG TARGET ON APRIL 30, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT RESPONDING TO THE APRIL 28 LETTERS SENT BY N.Y. STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL LETITIA JAMES TO MAJOR MULTICHANNEL VIDEO PROGRAMMING DISTRIBUTORS (MVPDS) REGARDING HER DESIRE TO SEE CONSUMER BILLS REDUCED TO REFLECT THE ABSENCE OF LIVE TV SPORTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: "ACA CONNECTS UNDERSTANDS THE CONCERNS OF N.Y. STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL LETITIA JAMES ABOUT SPORTS PROGRAMMING COSTS AND THE IMPACT ON CONSUMERS. ACA CONNECTS HAS LONG HIGHLIGHTED THE PROBLEM FOR CONSUMERS: SPORTS PROGRAMMERS AND SPORTS LEAGUES LEVERAGE MVPDS TO EXTRACT UNCONSCIONABLE FEES AND TERMS THAT CABLE OPERATORS MUST PASS THROUGH TO THEIR SUBSCRIBERS, INCLUDING THOSE WHO HAVE NO INTEREST IN SUCH PROGRAMMING. "ATTORNEY GENERAL JAMES IS RIGHT TO QUESTION WHY CONSUMERS ARE PAYING FOR EXPENSIVE SPORTS PROGRAMMING NOT BEING AIRED BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY, BUT SHE HAS TAKEN AIM AT THE WRONG TARGET. "IF ATTORNEY GENERAL JAMES TRULY WISHES TO ADDRESS CONSUMERS' CONCERNS ABOUT SPORTS PROGRAMMING, WE RECOMMEND SHE FOCUS ON THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM AND INVESTIGATE SPORTS PROGRAMMERS, BROADCAST NETWORKS AND SPORTS LEAGUES. THE MEMBERS OF ACA CONNECTS, THEIR CUSTOMERS, AND OTHER MVPDS HAVE BEEN CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THESE SPORTS AND MEDIA TITANS FOR FAR TOO LONG." ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS' NETWORKS EXCEL DURING PANDEMIC EVEN AS TRAFFIC SURGES ON APRIL 29, 2020, ACA CONNECTS, WHICH REPRESENTS MORE THAN 750 SMALL TO MID-SIZED BROADBAND PROVIDERS SERVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS, RELEASED ITS BROADBAND DASHBOARD, A DATA-RICH RUNDOWN AND ANALYSIS OF BROADBAND NETWORK PERFORMANCE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. BASED UPON NEW DETAILED METRICS, THE BROADBAND DASHBOARD DEMONSTRATES THAT, EVEN WHILE TRAFFIC HAS SURGED DURING THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS HAVE CONTINUED TO PROVIDE THEIR CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME HIGH-QUALITY BROADBAND EXPERIENCE THAT THEY HAVE COME TO EXPECT. THE FINDINGS IN THE BROADBAND DASHBOARD ARE BASED UPON AN EXTENSIVE AND DETAILED DATA COLLECTION AND SURVEY OF THE SMALLER BROADBAND PROVIDERS THAT ARE ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS THAT EXAMINED IN DETAIL THE ATTRIBUTES OF BROADBAND NETWORK USAGE AND PERFORMANCE. FOR NETWORK USAGE, THE COLLECTION/SURVEY EXPLORED BOTH DOWNLOAD AND UPLOAD USAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND AT PEAK. FOR PERFORMANCE, THE COLLECTION/SURVEY EXAMINED SEPARATELY TRANSIT AND ACCESS NETWORK UTILIZATION, WHICH ARE THE CRITICAL METRICS USED BY NETWORK ENGINEERS AND WHICH UNTIL NOW HAVE NOT BEEN ANALYZED IN OTHER STUDIES OF NETWORK PERFORMANCE DURING THE EMERGENCY. THE COLLECTION/SURVEY ALSO EXAMINED CUSTOMER INTERACTIONS WITH SMALLER BROADBAND PROVIDERS ABOUT ISSUES WITH BROADBAND PERFORMANCE AND MEASURES TAKEN BY THESE PROVIDERS TO ENSURE CUSTOMERS RECEIVE THE PERFORMANCE THEY WERE PROMISED. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: | ACA CONNECTS TO FCC: BROADBAND COMPETITION IS FLOURISHING, BUT DYSFUNCTION REIGNS IN THE VIDEO MARKETPLACE ON APRIL 29, 2020, ACA CONNECTS EXPLAINED TO THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION THAT THE FIXED BROADBAND MARKETPLACE IS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPETITIVE NOW AND LIKELY TO GROW EVEN MORE COMPETITIVE IN THE FUTURE. THE TRADE GROUP ALSO CALLED ATTENTION TO THE SOBERING REALITY THAT THE VIDEO MARKET IN GENERAL, AND THE RETRANSMISSION CONSENT MARKETPLACE IN PARTICULAR, IS COMPLETELY DYSFUNCTIONAL, MARKED BY RATE HIKES, SIGNAL BLACKOUTS, AND EVEN THE SHUTDOWN OF RURAL CABLE SYSTEMS PRICED OUT OF THE MARKET BY AVARICIOUS TV STATION OWNERS AND VIDEO PROGRAMMERS. ACA CONNECTS' OBSERVATIONS CAME IN RESPONSE TO A NOTICE IN WHICH THE FCC SOUGHT COMMENT ON COMPETITIVE ISSUES AND TRENDS IN COMMUNICATIONS MARKETS TO INFORM THE AGENCY'S DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEXT BIENNIAL COMMUNICATIONS MARKETPLACE REPORT DUE OUT IN 2020. ON BROADBAND MATTERS, ACA CONNECTS NOTED THAT THAT THE MARKETS IN WHICH ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS PROVIDE BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS SERVICE ARE MARKED BY PERVASIVE AND GROWING COMPETITION. "THE FCC DESERVES MUCH OF THE CREDIT FOR THE STRONG COMPETITIVE DYNAMICS THAT ARE PRESENT IN THE BROADBAND MARKET," ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA SAID. "THE AGENCY'S EFFORTS IN RECENT YEARS TO REMOVE REGULATORY BARRIERS TO DEPLOYMENT HAVE SPURRED UPGRADES AND NETWORK EXPANSION FROM ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS AND OTHERS." ACA CONNECTS APPLAUDS FCC FOR EXTENDING TRUTH-IN-BILLING COMPLIANCE DEADLINE IN MIDST OF COVID-19 ON APRIL 3, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION MEDIA BUREAU'S RELEASE OF AN ORDER EXTENDING TO DECEMBER 20, 2020, THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF TRUTH-IN-BILLING REQUIREMENTS ENACTED AS PART OF THE TELEVISION VIEWER PROTECTION ACT: "ACA CONNECTS WELCOMES THE FCC MEDIA BUREAU'S DECISION TODAY TO EXTEND BY SIX MONTHS THE DEADLINE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH NEW TRUTH-IN-BILLING REQUIREMENTS FOR MVPDS AND BROADBAND PROVIDERS ENACTED LAST YEAR AS PART OF THE TELEVISION VIEWER PROTECTION ACT. "AS ACA CONNECTS EXPLAINED IN A JOINT FILING WITH NCTA AND USTELECOM, OUR MEMBERS WOULD HAVE BEEN HARD-PRESSED TO OBTAIN NECESSARY SOFTWARE UPGRADES FROM THEIR BILLING VENDORS IN TIME TO MEET THE ORIGINAL JUNE DEADLINE, EVEN IN THE ABSENCE OF COVID-19. "THE PANDEMIC HAS INTRODUCED ADDITIONAL CHALLENGES IN MEETING THE DEADLINE. WE THEREFORE APPLAUD THE FCC AND THE BUREAU FOR EXERCISING THE AGENCY'S AUTHORITY UNDER THE STATUTE TO EXTEND THE DEADLINE BY SIX MONTHS AND TO DO SO ON AN ACCELERATED TIMEFRAME. ACA CONNECTS APPLAUDS SENS. KLOBUCHAR AND CRAMER FOR INTRODUCING BIPARTISAN BILL AIMED AT HELPING SMALL BROADBAND PROVIDERS MEET CUSTOMERS' NEEDS DURING THE PANDEMIC ON MARCH 24, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE KEEPING CRITICAL CONNECTIONS ACT, A BIPARTISAN BILL SPONSORED BY SEN. AMY KLOBUCHAR (D-MINN.) AND SEN. KEVIN CRAMER (R-N.D.) TO HELP RURAL BROADBAND CUSTOMERS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 EMERGENCY: "ACA CONNECTS' 750 SMALL AND MID-SIZED BROADBAND PROVIDERS MOST OF WHICH OPERATE IN RURAL AREAS AND SERVE FEWER THAN 1,000 CUSTOMERS UNDERSTAND THAT THEIR SERVICE IS VITAL TO THEIR RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS CUSTOMERS. "EVER SINCE THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY WAS DECLARED, THESE PROVIDERS HAVE BEEN WORKING OVERTIME TO MEET THE GROWING DEMANDS ON THEIR NETWORK. AND, NOT ONLY ARE THEY MAINTAINING RELIABLE, HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS BUT ALSO THEY ARE PROVIDING NEW SERVICE TO STUDENTS, WORKERS, AND OTHERS WHO NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AS A RESULT OF THE PANDEMIC. "THESE PROVIDERS ARE FULLY COMMITTED TO FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI'S 'KEEP AMERICANS CONNECTED' PLEDGE TO NOT DISCONNECT OR CHARGE LATE FEES TO CUSTOMERS WHO ARE UNABLE TO PAY THEIR BILLS ON TIME BECAUSE OF CIRCUMSTANCES RELATED TO THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK." ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS TAKE MAJOR STEPS TO SERVE AMERICA DURING CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MARCH 24, 2020, ACA CONNECTS RECOGNIZED THE OUTSTANDING EFFORTS OF ALL OUR MEMBERS WHO ARE WORKING TIRELESSLY TO ENSURE THAT THEIR NETWORKS REMAIN ROBUST AND SUPPORT THE NEEDS OF THEIR CUSTOMERS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 PANDEMIC. CLEARLY, BROADBAND ACCESS IS VITAL AS OUR COUNTRY ADDRESSES THIS CURRENT HEALTH EMERGENCY. ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS, OPERATING IN HUNDREDS OF SMALL CITIES AND TOWNS, HAVE MOVED RAPIDLY TO PROVIDE THE SERVICES THEIR NEIGHBORS NEED TO KEEP WORKING, LEARNING, AND TAKING CARE OF FAMILY MEMBERS. "WHETHER IT'S PARTICIPATING IN FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI'S 'KEEP AMERICANS CONNECTED' PLEDGE OR ENSURING THAT NETWORKS ARE CAPABLE OF EXPANDING TO ADJUST TO THE INCREASING NUMBERS WHO DEPEND ON THEM, IT'S ALL PART OF TODAY'S DAILY TO-DO LIST FOR OUR MEMBERS," ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA SAID. "OUR BROADBAND NETWORKS ARE THE KEY FOR OUR COMMUNITIES. WE KNOW THAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE WORKING FROM HOME, DOWNLOADING SCHOOL HOMEWORK AND PROJECTS, AND VIDEO CONFERENCING WITH WORK COLLEAGUES AND FAMILY MEMBERS. THESE NEW HABITS ARE IMPOSING NEW DEMANDS ON THE NETWORKS. WE ARE PROUD TO REPORT THAT ACA CONNECTS BROADBAND OPERATORS ARE BUSY AT WORK TO ENSURE THEIR NETWORKS WILL MEET THESE NOVEL CHALLENGES," HE SAID. ACA CONNECTS ENDORSES FCC CHAIRMAN PAI'S CALL FOR BROADCASTERS TO LIMIT RETRANSMISSION-CONSENT-RELATED SERVICE DISRUPTIONS DURING CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY ON, MARCH 17, 2020, ACA CONNECTS (ACAC) PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF FCC CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI'S CALL ON BROADCASTERS TO WORK WITH CABLE AND SATELLITE OPERATORS TO HALT BROADCAST SERVICE DISRUPTIONS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS: "ACA CONNECTS AGAIN APPLAUDS FCC CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI FOR HIS LEADERSHIP AT A TIME WHEN THE COUNTRY CONTINUES TO FACE A NATIONAL EMERGENCY CAUSED BY THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC. WE ENDORSE HIS CALL FOR BROADCASTERS TO WORK WITH CABLE AND SATELLITE OPERATORS TO PREVENT SERVICE DISRUPTIONS DURING THIS CRISIS. "ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS HAVE ALREADY TAKEN STEPS TO ASSIST CUSTOMERS DURING THIS TRYING TIME. MANY, FOR EXAMPLE, HAVE SIGNED CHAIRMAN PAI'S 'KEEP AMERICANS CONNECTED' PLEDGE. OTHERS HAVE GONE FURTHER IN ADDRESSING INCREASED AND UNIQUE DEMANDS BY THEIR CUSTOMERS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES DURING THIS PERIOD OF SOCIAL DISTANCING BROUGHT ON BY THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK. "CHAIRMAN PAI HAS IDENTIFIED ANOTHER WAY IN WHICH WE CAN ALL DO OUR PART. JUST AS THE CHALLENGES FACING OUR COUNTRY REQUIRE A NEW LEVEL OF TEAMWORK BETWEEN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND GOVERNMENT, THEY ALSO REQUIRE A NEW LEVEL OF TEAMWORK WITHIN THE PRIVATE SECTOR ITSELF." ACA CONNECTS ENDORSES FCC CHAIRMAN PAI'S 'KEEP AMERICANS CONNECTED' PLEDGE ON, MARCH 13, 2020, ACA CONNECTS (ACAC) PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF FCC CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI'S CALL ON BROADBAND ISPS TO ASSIST CONSUMERS AMID THE CORONAVIUS EMERGENCY: "ACA CONNECTS APPLAUDS FCC CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI FOR HIS VISION AND GUIDANCE AT A TIME WHEN THE COUNTRY IS FACING A GLOBAL HEALTH CRISIS CAUSED BY THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC. "THE CHALLENGES FACING OUR COUNTRY REQUIRE A NEW LEVEL OF TEAMWORK BETWEEN BROADBAND SERVICE PROVIDERS AND GOVERNMENT. WE AT ACA CONNECTS ENDORSE CHAIRMAN PAI'S 'KEEP AMERICANS CONNECTED' PLEDGE, AND WE KNOW THAT ALL ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS ARE COMMITTED TO HELPING THEIR COMMUNITIES STAY STRONG AMID SO MUCH UNCERTAINTY. "AS PART OF THEIR DAILY OPERATIONS, MANY OF OUR MEMBERS HAVE ALREADY TAKEN STEPS TO ACCOMMODATE INCREASED AND UNIQUE DEMANDS BY THEIR CUSTOMERS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES DURING THIS PERIOD OF SOCIAL DISTANCING BROUGHT ON BY THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK. "ACA CONNECTS MEMBERS ARE ALSO INVESTING IN BOTH TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGY TO ENSURE THEIR NETWORKS REMAIN OPERATIONAL AND THEIR SERVICE MEETS THEIR CUSTOMERS' NEEDS DURING PERIODS OF INCREASED DEMAND AS A RESULT OF THIS EMERGENCY. |
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: | ACA CONNECTS APPLAUDS FCC FOR ADOPTION OF PLAN TO RE-FARM C-BAND FOR 5G ON FEB. 28, 2020, ACA CONNECTS (ACAC) PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION'S ADOPTION OF A REPORT AND ORDER TO REPURPOSE 280 MHZ OF THE C-BAND FOR 5G USE IN A MANNER THAT ENSURES THE CONTINUED, UNINTERRUPTED DELIVERY OF SERVICES CURRENTLY OFFERED IN THE C-BAND: "ACA CONNECTS PRAISES CHAIRMAN PAI AND THE FCC ON THE ADOPTION OF AN ORDER TODAY THAT STRIKES AN APPROPRIATE BALANCE BETWEEN CLEARING A LARGE PORTION OF THE C-BAND FOR 5G USE AND PROTECTING INCUMBENT USERS OF THE SPECTRUM. THIS PROCEEDING TURNED OUT TO BE ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING UNDERTAKINGS OF ANY FCC CHAIRMAN'S TENURE, AND CHAIRMAN PAI AND HIS TEAM PROVED ONCE AGAIN THEY KNOW HOW TO GET THINGS DONE. "REPRESENTING MORE THAN 700 PROVIDERS WHO DEPEND ON THE C-BAND TO PROVIDE PAY-TV SERVICES TO MILLIONS ON CONSUMERS IN SMALLER MARKETS AND RURAL AREAS, ACA CONNECTS HAS BEEN AMONG THE MOST ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS IN THIS PROCEEDING FROM THE VERY BEGINNING." ACA CONNECTS ANNOUNCES JOHN HIGGINBOTHAM AS NEW EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT ON, FEB 14, 2020, JOHN M. HIGGINBOTHAM, A HIGHLY RESPECTED BROADBAND INDUSTRY LEADER WITH EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT INDEPENDENT VIDEO AND BROADBAND PROVIDERS, HAS BEEN NAMED EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP AND FINANCE AND CHIEF OF STAFF OF ACA CONNECTS, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ANNOUNCED TODAY. HIGGINBOTHAM, WHO WILL REPORT TO POLKA AND BE BASED IN THE PITTSBURGH, PA., HEADQUARTERS OF ACA CONNECTS, WILL BEGIN IMMEDIATELY. HE IS REPLACING FORMER EVP ROBERT SHEMA, WHO IS LEAVING ACA CONNECTS ON MARCH 23 TO JOIN COM NET, INC. (CNI), IN WAPAKONETA, OHIO, AS CEO. "WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE JOHN JOIN THE ACA CONNECTS STAFF IN THIS IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP, MEMBERSHIP AND SERVICE POSITION. HIS YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN OPERATIONS, TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT, ADVOCACY, AND MEMBER RELATIONS BRINGS AN EXPERIENCED VOICE TO ACA CONNECTS. HE COMBINES HIS BROADBAND OPERATIONS EXPERTISE WITH POLICY INSIGHTS GAINED FROM YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY. JOHN UNDERSTANDS THAT OUR AGENDA IS A COMPLEX ONE, AND HIS KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE ARE WELCOME ADDITIONS TO OUR TEAM," POLKA SAID. PATRICIA JO BOYERS WHO IS ACA CONNECTS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND PRESIDENT OF BOYCOM VISION, A SMALL RURAL BROADBAND COMPANY BASED IN POPLAR BLUFF, MO. WELCOMED HIGGINBOTHAM TO THE ACA CONNECTS TEAM. ACA CONNECTS SUPPORTS FCC ON GIVING CUSTOMERS TIMELY ACTIONABLE INFORMATION WHEN CARRIAGE NEGOTIATIONS FALL THROUGH ON FEB. 7, 2020, ACA CONNECTS SUPPORTED PROPOSALS BY THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION TO ENSURE CUSTOMERS GET THE INFORMATION THEY NEED WHEN PROGRAMMING DISRUPTIONS OCCUR BECAUSE OF FAILED CARRIAGE NEGOTIATIONS. THE FLEXIBILITY OFFERED BY THE FCC WOULD REFLECT THE REALITY THAT THESE HARD-FOUGHT NEGOTIATIONS OFTEN GO DOWN TO THE WIRE AND SOMETIMES INVOLVE EXTENSIONS. FCC RULES CURRENTLY REQUIRE CABLE OPERATORS TO NOTIFY CUSTOMERS 30 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF A CHANGE WITHIN THEIR CONTROL OF "PROGRAMMING SERVICES OR CHANNEL POSITIONS." THE FCC HAS PROPOSED A NEW RULE CLARIFYING THAT CABLE OPERATORS MUST NOTIFY CUSTOMERS "AS SOON AS POSSIBLE" OF A PROGRAMMING LAPSE THAT OCCURS BECAUSE OF A FAILURE OF CARRIAGE NEGOTIATIONS IN THE FINAL 30 DAYS OF AN EXISTING CONTRACT. ACA CONNECTS, IN COMMENTS FILED WITH THE FCC ON FEB. 6, SAID IT AGREED WITH THE FCC THAT THE PROPOSED "AS SOON AS POSSIBLE" STANDARD REFLECTED TRUE MARKET ACTIVITY AND UNDERSCORED THE OBVIOUS POINT THAT CABLE OPERATORS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER ONES, CAN'T CONTROL THE NEGOTIATING TACTICS OF LARGE TV STATIONS GROUPS AND MASSIVE CABLE PROGRAMMING CONGLOMERATORS WITH WHICH THEY NEGOTIATE. "CARRIAGE AGREEMENTS ARE ALMOST ALWAYS RENEWED WITHIN DAYS (OR EVEN HOURS) OF THEIR EXPIRATION, AND SOMETIMES FOLLOWING MULTIPLE SHORT-TERM EXTENSIONS. WHILE CABLE OPERATORS ENGAGE IN THESE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE GOAL OF REACHING A FINAL DEAL, THEY CANNOT PREDICT MUCH LESS 'CONTROL' THE BEHAVIOR OF THE OTHER PARTY," ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA SAID. ACA CONNECTS APPLAUDS FCC FOR ALLOWING CABLE OPERATORS TO EMAIL REQUIRED NOTICES TO TV STATIONS ON JAN. 30, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT APPLAUDING THE FCC FOR ALLOWING CABLE OPERATORS TO USE EMAIL TO TRANSMIT REQUIRED NOTICES TO TV STATIONS: "ACA CONNECTS APPLAUDS THE FCC FOR ADOPTING A REPORT AND ORDER THAT WILL ALLOW CABLE OPERATORS TO SEND REQUIRED NOTICES TO BROADCASTERS BY EMAIL RATHER THAN CERTIFIED MAIL. THIS TRANSITION TO EMAIL DELIVERY WILL REDUCE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS AND ENVIRONMENTAL WASTE WHILE ENSURING THAT NOTICES ARE STILL TIMELY RECEIVED. TODAY'S ACTION IS THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF FCC EFFORTS TO STREAMLINE AND MODERNIZE ITS MEDIA REGULATIONS, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE FCC ON FURTHER REFORMS." ACA CONNECTS APPLAUDS FCC FOR ALLOWING CABLE OPERATORS TO EMAIL REQUIRED NOTICES TO TV STATIONS ON JAN. 30, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT APPLAUDING THE FCC FOR ALLOWING CABLE OPERATORS TO USE EMAIL TO TRANSMIT REQUIRED NOTICES TO TV STATIONS: "ACA CONNECTS APPLAUDS THE FCC FOR ADOPTING A REPORT AND ORDER THAT WILL ALLOW CABLE OPERATORS TO SEND REQUIRED NOTICES TO BROADCASTERS BY EMAIL RATHER THAN CERTIFIED MAIL. THIS TRANSITION TO EMAIL DELIVERY WILL REDUCE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS AND ENVIRONMENTAL WASTE WHILE ENSURING THAT NOTICES ARE STILL TIMELY RECEIVED. TODAY'S ACTION IS THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF FCC EFFORTS TO STREAMLINE AND MODERNIZE ITS MEDIA REGULATIONS, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE FCC ON FURTHER REFORMS." ACA CONNECTS COMMENDS FCC ON ADOPTING RDOF TO ADVANCE RURAL BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT IN A COST-EFFICIENT MANNER ON JAN. 30, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT COMMENDING THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION ON ADOPTION OF THE RURAL DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FUND (RDOF): "OVER THE PAST DECADE, THE FCC HAS MADE GREAT PROGRESS IN EVOLVING ITS HIGH-COST UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAMS SO THAT EXISTING PROVIDERS ARE NOT OVERBUILT AND FUNDS ARE AWARDED MORE COST-EFFECTIVELY TO PROVIDERS OFFERING HIGHER-PERFORMANCE BROADBAND SERVICE. TODAY'S ADOPTION OF THE RURAL DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FUND BY THE FCC IS A SIGNIFICANT STEP IN THAT EVOLUTION. "BY ADOPTING A CHALLENGE PROCESS TO ENSURE ELIGIBLE AREAS ARE UNSERVED AND BY USING THE 'BUDGET CLEARING ROUND' APPROACH TO AWARDING FUNDS IN THE AUCTION, THE FCC WILL FURTHER ENSURE THAT RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES AT MILLIONS OF UNSERVED LOCATIONS RECEIVE BROADBAND SERVICE THAT IS REASONABLY COMPARABLE TO THE SERVICE URBAN CONSUMERS RECEIVE. ACA CONNECTS COMMENDS THE CHAIRMAN AND COMMISSIONERS FOR ADOPTING THIS SOUND AND FORWARD-LOOKING APPROACH AND INSTITUTING THE NEW PROGRAM." ON JAN. 8, 2020, ACA CONNECTS PRESIDENT AND CEO MATTHEW M. POLKA ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS APPLAUDING CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI'S PROPOSALS ON THE RURAL DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FUND (RDOF) AND THE CABLE OPERATOR NOTICES TO LOCAL TV STATIONS: RDOF: "ACA CONNECTS APPLAUDED CHAIRMAN PAI'S ANNOUNCEMENT SIX MONTHS AGO TO ESTABLISH THE RURAL DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY FUND, A NEW PROGRAM DESIGNED TO BRING HIGH PERFORMANCE BROADBAND TO UNSERVED AREAS IN THE U.S. OVER THE PAST MONTHS, WE ALONG WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS AND 48 U.S. SENATORS AND MORE THAN 50 U.S. REPRESENTATIVES URGED THE CHAIRMAN TO STAY THE COURSE AND ENSURE RURAL AMERICANS GET ACCESS TO THE SAME FORWARD-LOOKING, FUTURE-PROOF NETWORKS BEING DEPLOYED IN MORE URBAN AREAS. TODAY, AFTER JUST READING THE CHAIRMAN'S BLOG, IT LOOKS LIKE HE'S GOING TO DELIVER ON HIS PROMISE TO GIVE UNSERVED CONSUMERS HIGH-PERFORMANCE BROADBAND, TAKING A MAJOR STEP TO CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE. ACA CONNECTS LOOKS FORWARD TO SEEING THE DETAILS AND MAKING THIS NEW PROGRAM A REALITY." CABLE OPERATOR NOTICES: "WE ARE ALSO PLEASED WITH CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI'S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THE FCC WILL VOTE ON RULES THAT ALLOW CABLE OPERATORS TO DELIVER REQUIRED NOTICES TO BROADCASTERS BY EMAIL RATHER THAN CERTIFIED MAIL. MODERNIZING THESE RULES WILL REDUCE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS FOR CABLE OPERATORS AND ALLOW THESE NOTICES TO BE EXCHANGED IN A MANNER THAT IS MORE ALIGNED WITH TODAY'S BUSINESS PRACTICES." |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 1 | AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SHALL BE ESTABLISHED WHICH WILL INCLUDE THE CHAIRPERSON, VICE CHAIRPERSON, TREASURER AND TWO (2) MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO: - THE APPROVAL OF ANY ACTION FOR WHICH THE NONPROFIT LAW ALSO REQUIRES APPROVAL OF THE MEMBERS; - THE FILING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD OR ON ANY COMMITTEE WHICH HAS THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD; - THE FIXING OF COMPENSATION OF THE DIRECTORS FOR SERVING ON THE BOARD OR ON ANY COMMITTEE; - THE AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF BYLAWS OR THE ADOPTION OF NEW BYLAWS; - THE AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF ANY RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD WHICH BY ITS EXPRESS TERMS IS NOT SO AMENDABLE OR REPEALABLE; - THE APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OR THE MEMBERS THEREOF; - THE EXPENDITURE OF CORPORATE FUNDS TO SUPPORT A NOMINEE FOR DIRECTOR AFTER THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE NOMINATED FOR DIRECTOR THAN CAN BE ELECTED; OR - WITH RESPECT TO ASSEST HELD IN CHARITABLE TRUST, THE APPROVAL OF ANY SELF-DEALING TRANSACTION AS DEFINED BY SECTION 5728 OF THE NONPROFIT LAW OR ANY SUCCESSOR SECTION THERETO, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BY LAW. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 6 | AMERICAN CABLE ASSOCIATION, INC. SHALL HAVE ONE (1) CLASS OF VOTING MEMBERS. ONLY CABLE TELEVISION BUSINESSES MAY BECOME VOTING MEMBERS. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7A | THE DIRECTORS SHALL BE ELECTED BY THE MEMBERS AR A REGULAR OR SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS CALLED FOR SUCH PURPOSES OR BY WRITTEN BALLOT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, AT ANY MEETING OF THE MEMBERS WHERE DIRECTORS ARE TO BE ELECTED, EACH MEMBER SHALL DESIGNATE A PROXY TO CAST SUCH MEMBER'S VOTE FOR DIRECTORS AT A MEETING CALLED AND HELD FOR SUCH PURPOSES. AT THE MEETING CALLED FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, EACH SUCH PROXY SHALL BE ENTITLED TO CAST THE NUMBER OF VOTES HELD FOR EACH OFFICE OF DIRECTOR TO BE FILLED, WITHOUT THE RIGHT TO CUMULATE VOTES. IN ANY ELECTION OF DIRECTORS BY MEMBERS, THE CANDIDATES RECEIVING THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF VOTES ARE ELECTED. ONLY THOSE PERSONS NOMINATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED IN THE BYLAWS MAY STAND FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTOR. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B | THE FORM 990 IS REVIEWED BY THE PRESIDENT AND CEO, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND THE TREASURER. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 | THE EVP OF FINANCE REVIEWS SEVERAL (5 OR MORE) SIMILAR ASSOCIATION FORM 990'S FOR CEO COMPENSATION. THIS INCLUDES ASSOCIATIONS BOTH IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AND IN PENNSYLVANIA. THE EVP OF FINANCE PURCHASES THE CEO UPDATE SALARY GUIDE FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND NON-PROFITS AND CREATES A COMPENSATION PROPOSAL FOR THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD SHARES THIS PROPOSAL WITH THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD DETERMINES THE CEO'S COMPENSATION. THE EVP OF FINANCE USES THE SAME PROCESS FOR ALL OFFICERS AND PRESENTS THE COMPENSATION SUGGESTIONS TO THE CEO. THE CEO DETERMINES THE COMPENSATION FOR ALL OTHER OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION. THE COMPENSATION FOR THE REMAINING STAFF MEMBERS IS REVIEWED BY THE FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS PART OF THE BUDGET DISCUSSION AND IS APPROVED BY THE FULL BOARD AS PART OF THE BUDGET APPROVAL. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 | NO DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. |
| FORM 990, PART VII, EMERITUS TRUSTEES: | THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS SERVE ON THE BOARD OF AMERICAN CABLE ASSOCIATION, INC. WITH NO VOTING RIGHTS: DICK BEARD; PAT THOMPSON; COLLEEN ABDOULAH; DOUG FULLER; AND ROBERT GESSNER. |
| FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C: | THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ASSUMES THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OVERSIGHT OF THE AUDIT. THE PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FROM PRIOR YEAR. |
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Cat. No. 51056K
Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020
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