For Immediate Release
Contact: Hillary Smith, 703-351-2086, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (June 29, 2016)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association issued the following statement from Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield applauding the action taken by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee today to address the ongoing rural call completion epidemic:
“NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association thanks Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D–Minn.) for her sponsorship of the bill, her unwavering support of rural America and dedication to ending the call completion issue that has been plaguing rural communities for years. The advancement of the Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2016 to the full Senate for consideration is another important milestone in seeking a resolution that has been a long time coming. We also appreciate Committee Chairman John Thune’s (R–S.D.) continued leadership on this issue that ensured the legislation’s path to passage continues.
“The inability of people to receive phone calls greatly weakens the reliability of our telecommunications networks and threatens the safety, commerce and well-being of people not just in rural America but throughout the country. We are optimistic that this legislation can play an important role in putting an end to the issue once and for all and we look forward to continued engagement with Congress and the FCC.”
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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.