2011 News & Events

Please visit SaveRuralBroadband.org

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed
new rules that place broadband networkinvestments and
operations of rural telecommunications companies at a
disadvantage.

Federal rules provide rural telecom companies and
cooperatives with the Universal Service Fund (USF), which
reimburses these companies a portion of the costs that they
acquire to provide service in high-cost rural areas. Rural
telecom companies and cooperatives rely on the USF to build
and maintain broadband-capable networks throughout the country.

The FCC purposes a reduction in support for rural companies to restructure resources to companies that have not made similar investments in rural America. This could lead to many rural telecom companies and cooperatives to either charge unreasonable rates in order to cover costs, or cut spending on broadband. This change would hit rural communities in a hard way since they rely on rural telecom companies and cooperatives to provide them and their local facilities with affordable broadband connections.

To help voice our opinions about these purposed new rules we are encouraging everyone to visit SaveRuralBroadband.org. This website is very informative about this testy topic and enables you to learn more about this important issue that could affect you and your community. Please take the time to pass the website along to your friends and neighbors, business partners, and other that could be affected by the FCC's purposed rule.