For Immediate Release
Contact: Hillary Crowder, 703-351-2086, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (November 18, 2015)—The benefits of rural broadband extend to urban areas as well and therefore should concern both urban and rural interests, according to a white paper released today by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.
The paper, “Beyond Rural Walls: Identifying Impact and Interdependencies Among Rural and Urban Spaces,” recommends that the relationships between urban and rural areas should inform national broadband policies in order to enable development of beneficial results for the entire nation.
NTCA Vice President of Policy Joshua Seidemann, the paper’s author, presented the paper at a panel discussion hosted by the association’s Smart Rural Community initiative and the Foundation for Rural Service today in Washington, D.C. The event featured a keynote address by Lisa Mensah, the under secretary for rural development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and remarks from Rep. Bill Johnson (R–Ohio) and Sen. Al Franken (D–Minn.).
During a presentation to participants, Seidemann said broadband has generated positive economic and societal impacts and the rural communications industry has contributed positively to local, regional and national economies.
“A comprehensive examination reveals that ‘rural broadband’ is effectively ‘national broadband,’” Seidemann said. “Policy conversations should incorporate a holistic view that considers the interconnected beneficial impacts of broadband deployment across the United States.”
The full text of the white paper is available here.
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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.