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WASHINGTON, D.C.-Congressman Allen Boyd (D-North Florida), Co-Chairman of the Congressional Rural Caucus (CRC), today joined his colleagues in the CRC to unveil the telecommunications priorities for 2006. As Congress prepares to reauthorize the 1996 Telecommunications Act, the CRC will work to ensure that all Americans, regardless of where they live, have access to affordable and reliable communications services.
"Rural America cannot be left behind when it comes to national policy decisions," said Congressman Boyd. "As we re-examine the Telecommunications Act this year, we must encompass the needs of all types of communities so that all Americans can have access to advanced broadband services at affordable rates."
Additionally, the CRC will host a series of Member briefings to promote fair and affordable access to telecommunications services across the country.
The legislative principles that will guide the CRC's telecommunications work this year are:
- Strengthening the Universal Service Fund (USF) to improve access to telephone services and other resources in rural areas
- Improving intercarrier compensation to help utilize more networks
- Enhancing network access and interconnection
- Expanding access to advanced broadband in rural areas-essential for rural America to remain competitive
"We must have fair prices for high-speed Internet, not only to retain and attract good jobs in rural America, but also to improve the overall quality of our lives," Boyd stated. "The small telecommunications providers in our rural districts represent the sense of community and entrepreneurial spirit that made America great, and I will work with the CRC and Congress to ensure that these companies have a voice in developing communications laws for the 21st century."
The CRC is a bipartisan collection of more than 140 members of the House of Representatives committed to strengthening and revitalizing rural communities across America.
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