For Immediate Release
Contact: Hillary Crowder, 703-351-2086, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (February 5, 2014) – NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association today issued the following statement from Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield regarding the passage of the Agricultural Act of 2014:
“NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is pleased that Congress passed legislation that will provide nearly $100 billion annually over a five year period to support programs encouraging economic development in rural America, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Broadband Loan Program. This program provides support that small, community-based telecommunications providers have put to good use serving the highest-cost and hardest-to-serve pockets of rural America with access to broadband services that help ensure economic success. This bill comes after years of advocacy efforts by NTCA and our rural partners, and we are encouraged by Congress’ desire to support local businesses and entrepreneurs serving rural America.”
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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.