For Immediate Release
Contact: Kelly Wismer, 703-351-2015, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (January 25, 2018)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association released the following statement upon the introduction of the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act in the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. This Act seeks to address broadband deployment challenges on America’s croplands and ranchlands by establishing a task force to identify areas with insufficient broadband access and develop recommendations to improve service.
When established, the Task Force for Meeting the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture will consult with the Department of Agriculture as well as stakeholders in the fields of agriculture and technology in making any recommendations before reporting to Congress.
“NTCA appreciates the continued focus on rural broadband by bill sponsors Rep. Latta (R-Ohio) and Sens. Wicker (R-Miss.), Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Daines (R-Mont.) and Tester (D-Mont). As NTCA’s Smart Rural Community initiative underscores, ensuring sufficient access to broadband services in rural America is a crucial aspect of supporting economic development and production on agriculture land across our country. We look forward to continuing important conversations about these issues with the sponsors, and we hope this will enhance coordinated efforts among programs to promote and sustain rural broadband availability and affordability,” commented NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield.
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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.