For Immediate Release
Contact: Hillary Crowder, 703-351-2086, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (May 12, 2015)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association today issued the following statement from Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield regarding the letter led by Rep. Kevin J. Cramer (R–N.D.) that was sent to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler with 115 signatures from members of the House of Representatives urging action regarding updates to the universal service support mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers that reflect increasing consumer demand for broadband:
“NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is deeply grateful to Representative Cramer and his 114 congressional colleagues for their leadership in encouraging the FCC to make targeted updates as soon as possible to existing high-cost Universal Service Fund mechanisms. This letter represents a clear and unmistakable message from Congress that now is the time for action to ensure that rural Americans have the same access to advanced telecommunications options at reasonably comparable rates that their urban counterparts enjoy. We look forward to working with Congress and the FCC to implement a straightforward solution that makes targeted changes to existing rules.”
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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.