For Immediate Release
Contact:Laura Withers, (703) 351-2087, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (March 1, 2017)—Shirley Bloomfield, chief executive officer of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, testified today before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation during the hearing, “Connecting America: Improving Access to Infrastructure for Communities Across the Country.” The following is excerpted from Bloomfield’s written testimony:
“Small, hometown broadband providers have led and are continuing to lead the way in deploying high-speed, sustainable broadband that responds to the needs of consumers and businesses in rural America. The broadband infrastructure they deploy enables applications that rural and urban communities can leverage for education, commerce, health care and government services.
“To not have access to high-speed Internet today should be unimaginable, yet millions of rural Americans have limited or even no access to robust broadband. And while it is critical to deliver broadband to the unserved, it is just as critical that those already receiving broadband remain served.
“NTCA is excited to participate in this conversation regarding broadband infrastructure initiatives, and we look forward to working with policymakers and other stakeholders on a comprehensive infrastructure strategy that provides the tools and capabilities needed to achieve our nation’s shared broadband goals.”
The full text of the submitted written testimony is available online.
In a letter to Congressional leaders on Monday, NTCA, ITTA, USTelecom and WTA–Advocates for Rural Broadband encouraged legislators to include broadband in any new, comprehensive federal infrastructure investment program. In making this suggestion, the associations also outlined several foundational principles to ensure such broadband investment maximizes consumer benefits, ensures efficiency, produces results quickly and is subject to accountability.
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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.