For Immediate Release
Contact: Carolyn Just, 703-351-2015, [email protected]
Arlington, Va., (March 19, 2020)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association issued the following statement from Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield regarding the work of the rural broadband industry in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In these unsettling times, NTCA is doing all that it can to share information and resources with its members and to act as a liaison between members and governmental officials responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As this unprecedented pandemic unfolds, NTCA is so proud of the work that our members are doing even in the face of many challenges to make sure that their communities and customers—their families, friends, and neighbors—remain connected with the rest of the world. Especially now, when connections are key as we telework, study from home and use online technologies to stay in touch with loved ones, we can see that their hard work over the years to invest in robust networks is poised to be a ‘difference-maker’ for so many in rural America. From offering ‘drive-up’ Wi-Fi connectivity in public areas to enabling service upgrades for families working and learning from home, our members are committed to keeping their communities connected in as many ways as possible.
“Finally, I am pleased that approximately 140 of our members thus far have committed to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s Keep Americans Connected pledge, and these operators and many more are using every tool in their toolkits to expand, enhance, and maintain voice and broadband services at a time when America needs these connections most. This truly reflects the community-oriented spirit and commitment to service NTCA members represent to the people they serve across rural America, and we will continue to work in close collaboration with our members, other stakeholders, consumer groups, and policymakers in making every effort to sustain these critical connections.”
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