The FCC continues to consider radical changes that could deprive millions of rural individuals and businesses of broadband access.  Rural broadband providers have responded by repeatedly putting forward alternative proposals that would ensure the FCC initiative was consistent with the law and would ultimately work for consumers.  Yet the FCC still is not listening. 

You can help alert Washington lawmakers about the importance of ensuring that when the FCC changes the broadband rules, it is done right.  By clicking “send” you will be directed to a page that will allow you to send a letter to your two U. S. Senators,  your U.S. Representative and the Obama administration that lets them know your concerns on this issue.  The more letters we send, the more policymakers will know that their constituents are demanding action.

 

 

Dear [Legislator Name],

 

We understand that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken steps to change the universal service and related mechanisms that are essential to promoting the availability and affordability of communications services in rural areas. But, rather than introduce a plan to enable broadband deployment and upgrades by smaller carriers who serve rural areas, the FCC has instead mostly imposed  cuts to existing programs.
 
I am concerned that these changes - and the threat of still more cuts to come - will deter investment in broadband networks, undermine my broadband service, leave my community behind and degrade local economies that are struggling to regain strength across the country. I rely on my local telecommunications provider to supply me with high-speed Internet access. I’m not the only one. Thousands of people and businesses also rely on rural carriers such as mine.
 
The FCC should take a careful look at the current reforms. The FCC needs to make it clear to the market that it will let these new reforms take effect and study closely how they affect rural areas before it considers or even proposes any further cuts.  Any missteps by the FCC or lingering uncertainty about more cuts to come could result in higher prices, delayed deployment of faster broadband or my local Internet provider having to stop providing service in my area. This would have devastating effect on local economic development and will likely result in job loss in my community.

Add your own note to the letter

 

Please help by contacting FCC officials and letting them know your concern about recent reforms and any further proposals that would undercut Internet access in my community. Please let the FCC know that they need to make sure the current reforms serve all of rural America before taking further steps, that certainty is essential to this process and that the threat of further cuts to universal service will only lead to my community and many others across rural America being left behind.


Sincerely,

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