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 STATEMENT  OF  COMMISSIONER  MICHAEL  J.  COPPS 
 Re:  Federal-  State  Joint  Board  on  Universal  Service;  Highland  Cellular,  Inc.  Petition  for  Designation  as  an  Eligible  Telecommunications  Carrier  in  the  Commonwealth 
 of  Virginia 
 The  long-  term  viability  of  universal  service  depends  on  a  more  rigorous  review  process  for  ETC  applications.  Today’s  decision,  like  the  decision  in  Virginia  Cellular 
 that  preceded  it,  represents  a  step  in  the  right  direction.  During  the  coming  year,  as  we  consider  the  Joint  Board’s  guidance,  we  need  to  seize  the  opportunity  to  improve  it 
 further.  We  must  give  serious  consideration  to  the  consequences  that  flow  from  using  the  fund  to  support  several  competitors  in  truly  remote  areas.  We  also  need  to  bear  in  mind 
 that  when  we  do  fund  competition,  our  rules  must  provide  the  right  level  of  support. 
 I  look  forward  to  this  important  dialogue  at  the  Commission.  To  keep  the  country  well-  connected,  we  must  ensure  that  all  Americans  enjoy  comparable  services  at 
 comparable  rates. 
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