Peterson, Carter Introduce Legislation to Establish Rural Broadband Office at The FCC

Statement

This week, Representatives Collin C. Peterson (D-MN) and Buddy Carter (R-GA) introduced the bipartisan Office of Rural Telecommunications Act to establish an "Office of Rural Telecommunications" at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Under the legislation, the office will coordinate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC), and other agencies to help coordinate federal efforts and resources to develop rural telecommunications systems. The office will also assess and publish the impact of FCC actions on rural consumers and annually report its findings to Congress.

"Rural America simply cannot compete without dependable and affordable broadband services," said Peterson. "This legislation will ensure the FCC can effectively dedicate resources to address this disadvantage that millions of Americans face."

"No matter where you live, all Americans should be connected," said Carter. "Unfortunately, many Georgians don't have access to adequate and dependable broadband. This legislation will create an office dedicated to reducing barriers and increasing deployment of rural broadband across the nation. I hope this legislation will move swiftly through Congress for our rural communities."

Source