WASHINGTON – As broadband internet access becomes an increasingly important component of the global economy, many rural communities throughout Tennessee and around the United States lack sufficient access. Congressman Bart Gordon recently called upon the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the agency developing a national broadband internet plan, to ensure that broadband access is extended to rural communities.
Gordon, along with members of the Congressional Rural Caucus, sent a letter to Michael Copps, Acting-Chairman of the FCC, stating, “The lack of broadband access for…private and public sectors have far-reaching consequences to our rural communities…it reduces their opportunities for employment, reduces their quality of life, and stifles their potential for economic development.”
A recent survey found that 64% of Tennessee residents living in urban areas have broadband internet service compared to only 37% of those living in rural communities.
“Broadband internet access throughout Tennessee and our country is essential to maintaining America’s competitiveness in the global economy,” added Gordon. “The national plan being devised by the FCC must connect the whole country and place particular attention on rural communities that are difficult to reach.”
Congress recently provided funds to the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program and the Rural Utilities Service with the express purpose of expanding broadband throughout the country. To ensure that this and future broadband funding is spent effectively, Congress required the FCC to devise a national broadband plan.
In 1996, Congress passed a law that created the Universal Service Fund (USF), which has been instrumental in bringing phone service to nearly every American. The letter sent by Gordon and his colleagues concluded by stating, “broadband should be a supported [USF] service and special efforts should be made…to achieve the final goal of universal service.”
