U.S. House Passes Young's Call Connectivity Legislation

Press Release

Iowa Congressman David Young's Improving Call Quality and Reliability Act (H.R. 2566), legislation to address call quality and reliability standards in rural areas, was considered and unanimously approved by the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the Communications Act Update Act of 2016 (S. 253) this afternoon.

"Our families and job creators in Iowa, and across the nation, rely on phone service to run their businesses, respond to emergencies, and stay in touch with family and friends," Congressman Young said. "No matter where one chooses to live, phone service should be consistent and reliable. I appreciate my colleagues for working with me on this important issue, so folks in Iowa's rural communities and communities across rural America have quality phone service they deserve."

The Improving Call Quality and Reliability Act requires providers register with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and meet quality standards ensuring rural Americans can rely on phone service. It also prohibits providers from using any intermediary routing services not registered with the FCC.

Congressman Young introduced the legislation last year alongside his lead cosponsor Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT). It was examined by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, during a hearing entitled "Rural Call Quality and Reliability on September 8, 2016. The legislation was subsequently marked up by the subcommittee on September 13, 2016, before it was sent to the full committee for consideration. It was considered and passed by the full U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on September 21, 2016.

Congressman Young's legislation heads to the U.S. Senate for final consideration.

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