Greg Hale, CEO of LTC Connect (Auburn, Ky.), today testified before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology on ways to ensure rural Americans have access to affordable and reliable broadband services.
Hale highlighted the critical role the Universal Service Fund (USF) plays in enabling community-based providers to deliver high-quality, affordable and sustainable broadband in rural America, noting “the fundamental and essential mission of universal service is not just getting customers connected but keeping them connected.”
He also shared how the potential disruption of USF support could affect rural consumers, broadband investment in rural America and the viability of existing rural broadband networks and “urge[d] all members of Congress to stand ready to support legislative efforts that could help ensure that every American stays connected,” should the Supreme Court uphold a lower court’s finding that the contribution mechanism that funds the USF is unconstitutional.
In addition, Hale touched upon ways to improve the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program and obstacles to deploying and maintaining reliable broadband in rural areas, including permitting delays, inaccurate broadband maps and unnecessary taxes on deployment grants.
Hale’s full testimony can be viewed on the committee’s website.