For Immediate Release
Contact: Hillary Crowder Smith, 703-351-2086, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (March 3, 2016)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association issued the following statement today from Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield in support of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s vote to advance the Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless (MOBILE NOW) Act:
“NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association applauds the leadership of Committee Chairman John Thune (R–S.D) and Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), who sponsored this legislation that would make more licensed and unlicensed spectrum available for broadband use and reduce barriers to wireless investment and innovation. Spectrum is the lifeblood of the wireless industry—rural carriers require access to finite spectrum resources, and we appreciate the committee’s efforts to help providers meet consumers’ demands.
“The association also greatly appreciates Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D–Minn.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Steve Daines (R–Mont.) for their continued dedication to rural America and its telecommunications providers. Their foundational work on matters such as ‘dig once’ provisions and rural spectrum accessibility could ultimately expand broadband deployment to the benefit of consumers, competition and small businesses, while also promoting public safety, respecting private investment in existing networks and improving access to education, economic opportunities and social engagement.
“We look forward to continued engagement with policymakers as the bill moves forward.”
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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.