The FCC has proposed radical changes that could deprive millions of rural individuals and businesses of broadband access. Rural broadband providers have responded by putting forward alternative proposals that will make reform work for consumers. That alternative is now before the FCC for review.

You can help alert Washington about the importance of ensuring that when the FCC changes the rules, it’s done right. By clicking “send,” a copy of the letter will be sent to your two senators, your representative and the Obama administration. The more letters we send, the more Washington will know that their constituents are demanding action.

 

Dear [Legislator Name],

 

We understand that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken steps to reform the universal service and related mechanisms that are essential to promoting the availability and affordability of communications services in rural areas. It is not yet clear how these reforms will affect the quality and price of broadband services offered by local telecommunications providers. But it appears that these reforms are mostly just cuts to existing programs, rather than a plan to enable broadband deployment and upgrades by smaller carriers who serve rural areas.  
 
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,

[Your Information Here]
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