Keep Small-Town America Connected

Background

     Have you heard of the “Digital Divide?”  This term is used to describe the discrepancy between technological services available in urban and rural areas across the country.

     While this terminology may be relatively new, the underlying principles are not.  In 1934, Congress issued the Communications Act in order to ensure that all Americans received the highest-quality communications technology at affordable rates regardless of where they lived.

      The 1934 Act received an update in 1996, which established a program called the Universal Service Fund (USF).  The purpose of the USF was to assist areas and communities of relatively high-cost and low population-density and to provide them with high-quality telephone service at affordable prices.

 So, What’s Happening Now?

     With the inception of the Internet, our concept of “communications” technology has been revolutionized.  With this technological revolution, our standard of living has also been irrevocably changed.  In order for any individual or community to have the best chance to succeed and thrive, access to broadband Internet is absolutely imperative.

     Unfortunately, recent regulatory changes made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) jeopardize the ability of small-town and rural communities to receive access to high-quality broadband.

     In short, the USF has not been modified to reflect the transition in technological usage from telephone service to high-speed Internet.  The FCC has stated that it wishes to connect all Americans to the broadband pipeline, but thus far has not provided any additional support to realize this goal.  On the contrary, universal service funding has actually been greatly reduced and no plan is currently in place to fund standalone broadband service to rural and small-town communities.

 How Can I Help?

     Please take a moment to sign this petition, expressing support for all Americans having access to high-quality broadband at affordable rates.

     If you live in one of our nation’s many small towns or rural communities, please contact your elected officials in the United States House of Representatives and Senate to let them know how important it is to you and your community to have access to the best technological services available.  In order to receive these services, Congress and the FCC must ensure that the proper programs and mechanisms are in place to provide these services to all corners of the country, not just now, but also into the future as technology continues to change and progress.