Collecting data and opinions from our members is one of the best tools we have to really tell the story of rural America to policymakers and stakeholders in Washington, D.C.
Last week, you may have seen that NTCA released the results of a member survey conducted to show how the potential disruption of Universal Service Fund (USF) support could affect rural consumers, broadband investment in rural America and the viability of existing rural broadband networks. Through that effort, we found that rural Americans’ broadband rates could skyrocket, broadband network investments could drop and that there is substantial potential for default on outstanding network construction loans if USF support is eliminated. More information about USF and that member survey is available on our website.
Now, I’m writing to you with another request to help us collect information, this time for our annual Broadband/Internet Availability Survey Report.
I’m always hypersensitive to requests such as these for information because I know just how busy our members are building and maintaining affordable, high-speed networks in their communities. But we’ve seen – and are still seeing – our efforts to collect data on the broadband industry drive a narrative in Washington. And that work is needed again now more than ever.
Last year’s Broadband/Internet Availability Survey Report showed many of the reasons why the community-based broadband community is leading the way in this industry. For example, we found that nearly 84% of last year’s respondents’ customers can on average receive downstream speeds greater than or equal to 100 Mbps, with over 67% of customers on average having access to Gigabit downstream speeds. Approximately 82% of those same customers on average realized upload speeds of 100 Mbps or higher and 61% of customers on average had access to Gigabit upstream capability. I use those statistics regularly to highlight just how focused our member providers are for their consumers and communities.
At a time where so much state and federal support is flowing for broadband deployment, and with the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program coming online soon, your participation in our 2024 survey will enable us to showcase how essential NTCA members are to getting the job done for your communities. It will also highlight how valuable you are as key community partners due to your spirit of service and vast deployment experience, making you critical players in any additional funding coming down the pike.
The survey is live, and the deadline for completion is October 4. Please help us tell your story. Complete the 2024 Broadband/Internet Availability Survey here.
My most sincere thanks and appreciation in advance.