RURAL BROADBAND STRATEGY REPORT RELEASED BY FCC
News Date June 03, 2009
Last week, Acting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Michael J. Copps released a report on the state of rural broadband in America. "Bringing Broadband Rural America: Report on a Rural Broadband Strategy," which was done in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, was required by Congress as part of the 2008 Farm Bill.
In the report, Acting Chairman Copps remarks, "I view this report as a prelude to, and building block for, the national broadband plan, which will address in greater detail and on a vastly more complete record, the input of all stakeholders and the steps the nation must take to achieve its broadband goals." The report, along with the investment provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), will help shape the new Administration’s strategy to provide every American with access to broadband. In ARRA alone, there is an investment of $7.2 billion for grants, loans and loan guarantees. (Contact: David Hickey)