Swing State Initiative

Dear Swing State Partner,

It is time to rise above the rhetoric and ensure that candidates and elected officials understand from the “ground level” the importance of the Universal Service Fund which helps to sustain local telecommunication companies and their connections to the nation. We must show, based upon real data, that the changes that have already been adopted, and that are still being considered, pose serious threats to service providers, their employees, their customers, and their communities. A recent study reported that rural investment is a powerful national economic driver (see Hanns Kuttner, The Economic Impact of Rural Telecommunications: The Greater Gains, Hudson Institute [Oct. 11, 2011]). This study found that rural telecommunications providers directly added $10.4 billion to the United States economy, contributed an additional $4.2 billion through indirect impact and supplied nearly 72,000 jobs across the country—and that nearly two-thirds of these effects accrued to the benefit of urban areas. We must reinforce the fact that our nation’s ability to remain globally competitive and secure relies upon robust communications infrastructure in both rural and urban areas. Investment in 21^st century infrastructure throughout rural America, rather than erosion of existing networks, will ensure that goal.

Thank you for agreeing to help NTCA with our latest advocacy effort. On this page you will find information to assist your outreach efforts. Additionally, NTCA staff will partner with you to help every step of the way.

Please view the following: