Passage of H.R. 2566 Another Promising Step for Addressing Rural Call Completion Problems

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


For Immediate Release

Contact: Laura Withers, 703-351-2087, [email protected]

Arlington, Va., (November 15, 2016)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association today applauded the passage of H.R. 2566, the Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2016. Introduced by Rep. David Young (R-Iowa) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), the bill previously passed the House in September as part of the Communications Act Update Act.

NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield released the following statement in response to the action:

“We appreciate the continued Congressional focus on call completion issues that have plagued rural communities for years. Call failures or poor call quality threaten the quality of life, economic development, and public safety in rural America. We thank Reps. Young and Welch for introducing the bill and Chairman Greg Walden for his continued support. We hope that this action is another step forward toward final passage of the legislation.”

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NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing more than 800 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.