For Immediate Release
Contact:Laura Withers, (703) 351-2087, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (March 10, 2017)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association today commended Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R–Utah) for introducing legislation to ease rights-of-way permitting processes that hinder the timely deployment of broadband networks in rural America.
The Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017, cosponsored by Sens. Steve Daines (R–Mont.) and Deb Fischer (R–Neb.), seeks to allow certain state permitting authority to encourage expansion of broadband service to rural communities.
“Small rural telecom operators continue to endure cumbersome and time-consuming permitting processes that hinder the timely deployment of broadband networks in rural America,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield. “Government at all levels should work collaboratively to expedite placement of infrastructure, and NTCA hopes this bill will help move us toward a more streamlined and harmonized set of permitting processes.”
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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.