Collins to chair hearing on broadband

U.S. Rep. Chris Collins, R-Clarence, will chair a House Small Business Subcommittee Field Hearing in Orleans County Thursday, March 20, on broadband. The hearing will examine how the lack of access to broadband Internet service in rural communities impacts the operations of local small businesses and farms.

The lack of access to broadband is a significant issue in several areas of Collins’ Congressional District, Collins stated in a release Tuesday, saying those areas include northern Niagara, Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties.

Collins’ district includes Canandaigua and more than half of Ontario County.

“I look forward to talking with key stakeholders about the regulatory factors that lead to the expansion of broadband into rural areas and hear from those affected about how improved access could change their business for the better," Collins stated.

The hearing takes place at 10 a.m. at the Orleans County Legislative Chambers,3 South Main St., Albion. Those presenting testimony will include representatives from small businesses and Time Warner, Frontier Communications, and The Rural Broadband Association.