For Immediate Release
Contact: Hillary Crowder, 703-351-2086, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (February 19, 2014) – NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association today issued the following statement from Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield regarding the FCC’s introduction of new open Internet rules:
“The chairman’s statement today opens a useful dialogue regarding how best to establish certainty in the way that different stakeholders interact and interconnect with one another in an IP-enabled, broadband-capable world. NTCA has been an advocate all along for clear ground rules that, while providing flexibility in the delivery of services, also recognize the need for a regulatory backstop that protects consumers, promotes competition and ensures universal service.
Carefully tailored rules that treat all network users fairly, that ensure the seamless interconnection of such networks on reasonable terms and conditions, and that require all who use and rely upon such robust networks to contribute to their health on a transparent, equitable and nondiscriminatory basis must be seen as indispensable elements of any meaningful and effective 21st century communications policy.”
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NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA advocates on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas, and it provides training and development; publications and industry events; and an array of employee benefit programs. In an era of exploding technology, deregulation and marketplace competition, NTCA’s members are leading the IP evolution for rural consumers, delivering technologies that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development and commerce, education, health care, government services, security and smart energy use. Visit us at www.ntca.org.