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 FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's comments for National Digital Learning Day concerning the path forward for E-Rate modernization:
“NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association has engaged constructively at every turn to seek to modernize the E-Rate program by making better use of capacity on the many robust connections already available, streamlining the funding process and—most importantly—ensuring that well-trained teachers have much-needed tools right in their classrooms to connect students to the digital economy. We welcome the continued focus of Chairman Wheeler and all of the commissioners on these issues, and we look forward to staying at the table to ensure that E-Rate resources go as far as possible for the benefit of rural schools and classrooms all across the country.”
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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.