Qualifications for Membership:
The Prospective Member must have a defined focus, service offering, and service area that strengthens other FNA organizations and must not pose a material business threat to other FNA Members through FNA association.
The Prospective Member must be a legal entity that owns and operates a facilities-based network (lit, dark, conduits, or other facilities) that can provide value to the Members of FNA. For purposes of this requirement, “facilities-based” means:
- Owning and operating over $1 million in network assets that can be beneficial to other FNA Members.
- Owning and operating at least 20 route (lit, dark, or conduit) miles.
- Having the ability to serve multiple locations within the entity’s area.
- Maintaining a local presence in the areas where the entity owns facilities and bringing real social and economic value to the areas served by employing locally, owning property locally, and bringing other value by investing in the areas served.
The Prospective Member must be willing to allow other Members access to its network and services in a fair and unbiased manner and to work with other Members in exploring benefits that can be achieved through combined efforts.
The Prospective Member must have a defined focus, service offering, and service area that strengthens other FNA organizations and must not pose a material business threat to other FNA Members through FNA association.
The Prospective Member must be in good standing with any applicable governmental requirements and regulations.
The prospective Member cannot be a pure reseller.
The Prospective Member cannot be a Regional Bell Operating Company (RBOC) or an entity with an RBOC as a predecessor.
The prospective Member cannot be an entity that has more than $100 million in telecommunications-related assets.
Any Prospective Member sponsored by a Member should be a company that is considering joining FNA intends to actively participate in FNA’s activities.
Any prospective Member must be sponsored by an existing Member of FNA and must apply for membership in accordance with these Bylaws and any procedures set forth by the Executive Committee.
During its decision-making process, the Executive Committee shall not approve sending a prospective Member an invitation if such prospective Member fails to meet three or more of the qualifications set forth in FNA Bylaws.
Membership Categories:
Active Membership is for companies that attend regular meetings (Quarterly) and are involved in the decision-making and activities of FNA.
Associate Membership is for those companies that are not able to be actively involved or attend meetings but still desire to work with other companies to meet their service connectivity requirements.