For Immediate Release
Contact: Hillary Crowder Smith, 703-351-2086, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (May 27, 2016)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association issued the following statement from Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield applauding a bipartisan letter led by Sens. Steve Daines (R–Mont.) and Jon Tester (D–Mont.) that was sent to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler that expressed concerns about the impacts the commission’s proposed set-top box rules could have on small businesses and rural communities:
“NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association appreciates the bipartisan leadership of Senators Daines and Tester. They, along with eight of their Senate colleagues, highlight the increasing concerns with regard to the threats to rural consumers and small companies that would arise if the FCC were to adopt its proposed video navigation technology mandate.
“These rural champions in the Senate join 60 members of the House of Representatives, as well as countless industry organizations and stakeholders, in urging the commission to reconsider these proposals. The cost of implementing the commission’s set-top box proposal could devastate the video business in rural areas, where many consumers do not receive an over-the-air signal and many small, rural providers already struggle mightily with the costs of delivering video services. We hope the commission will take heed of the strong bipartisan message sent by Congress and reassess the real impacts before proceeding with any rule.”
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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.