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WTA... Giving the West a Voice! The Western Telecommunications Alliance (WTA) unites a diverse industry in the western states for the purpose of advocating the telecom interests of rural Americans before federal and state regulators and the United States Congress. This is necessary to ensure affordable and quality telecommunications services for all rural Americans. WTA also provides a gathering place for member education and interchange of information with the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a lending arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. WTA represents over 250 small rural local exchange providers in the 24 states west of the Mississippi River. On average, WTA member companies serve less than 3,000 access lines overall with less than 500 customers per exchange. All of the member companies provide high-quality voice, data, and video services in high cost areas.
Mission Statement The mission is to ensure a fair and equitable environment to promote prosperity in western rural communities through advocacy, education, and networking for our member telecommunications companies and their customers. Vision Statement WTA is THE resource and advocate for rural telecommunication companies in the western United States. Values Statement • Member Involvement and Responsiveness • Public Policy Advocate • Quality Education and Information Resource • Strategic Alliances Leader • Enhancing Rural Economic Development • Excellence in Governance and Management
WTA ByLaws View PDF File > Click Here <
What Sets Us Apart? WTA members serve the high cost areas west of the Mississippi. Our members are all impacted by public policy decisions that can either support or erode continued investment in rural telecom infrastructure. WTA encourages its members to tackle critical issues together by providing a forum for issue and problem identification, discussion and resolution. WTA promotes and facilitates the exchange of industry information; provides individual member assistance and guidance; promotes unity as the preferred industry solution; provides leadership and advocacy on key industry issues; coordinates with other industry associations; and fosters a positive environment for providers of industry products and services. WTA exists to serve its members and their input and involvement is important to the Association.
Member Advocacy A Priority WTA is dedicated to promoting the interests of rural telcos in high-cost, low density areas. WTA works with members and other trained professionals to pro-actively represent rural telephone systems in federal legislative and regulatory proceedings. The Association is also addressing the significant issues raised by the Telecommunications Reform Act of 1996, such as universal service. Industry Forum Western Telecommunications Alliance provides unique opportunities for industry interaction at its bi-annual meetings. WTA events feature foremost industry speakers, seminars, workshops and exhibitions. These meetings are also an important forum for suppliers and other WTA associate members to conduct business and dialogues with industry colleagues. WTA communicates timely Association and industry news to its membership through its newsletter, web site and industry updates. WTA fosters working relationships between its members and the RUS. The Association is actively engaged in arranging “one-on-one” consultations between RUS staff and member telephone systems.
Staff The combined experience, educational and professional background, industry involvement and dedication make the WTA staff an effective team in handling the Association’s operations, member supplier relations and program planning.
WTA Working Committees WTA Working Committees address trends in regulation, legislation, financing, telephone technology and critical issues facing the Association and its members. All WTA members are eligible to serve on one or more of the following committees: WTA Budget Committee: Responsible for revenues and their allocation in the best interest of the Association and its members. The Bylaw Committee: Annually review the Association bylaws to ensure that they continue to reflect the interests of WTA members. The Membership Committee: Takes the lead in the support of present Association members and encourages other RUS borrowers and their suppliers in the western states to seek membership in WTA. Associate Member Committee: Provides the Association with a broad cross section of technical information and input to better support the technological needs of WTA members. In addition focuses on associate membership retention, recruitment, showcases and educational seminars. WTA Nominating Committee: Reviews and recommends potential WTA Members to serve and fill vacant Board positions. WTA Scholarship Committee: Reviews and recommends annual Scholarship to WTA Member employees. WTA Convention Planning Committees: | Fall | Spring | Helps to plan and prepare for WTA's spring and fall conventions. Public Policy Committee: Monitors federal regulatory and legislativeissues and develops policy positions by filing comments in various FCC docket proceedings and through the drafting and advocating of legislative recommendations to lawmakers. Member Advocacy: WTA is dedicated to promoting the interests of rural telcos in high-cost, low density areas. WTA works with members and other trained professionals to pro-actively represent rural telephone systems in federal legislative and regulatory proceedings. The Association is also addressing the significant issues raised by the Telecommunications Reform Act of 1996, such as universal service. Industry Forum Western Telecommunications Alliance provides unique opportunities for industry interaction at its bi-annual meetings. WTA events feature foremost industry speakers, seminars, workshops and exhibitions. These meetings are also an important forum for suppliers and other WTA associate members to conduct business and dialogues with industry colleagues. WTA communicates timely Association and industry news to its membership through its newsletter, web site and industry updates. WTA fosters working relationships between its members and the RUS. The Association is actively engaged in arranging “one-on-one” consultations between RUS staff and member telephone systems. |
Western Telecommunications Alliance
