Members of the Congressional Rural Caucus Learn about New Developments in Broadband Technologies, Implementation

Press Release

Members of the Congressional Rural Caucus Learn about New Developments in Broadband Technologies, Implementation

Today, members of the Congressional Rural Caucus toured "Broadband Nation," an interactive exhibit showcasing advances in broadband services, to learn about new developments in broadband technologies and the potential benefits for Rural America. Many Caucus members have attended or will be attending the exhibit this week, including Caucus Co-Chairs Congressmen Travis Childers (D-MS) and Adrian Smith (R-NE).

"Technology is changing and advancing every day, and it is essential that rural Americans have the resources they need to successfully compete in today's high-tech world," said Congressman Childers. "Ensuring that rural communities have access to up-to-date broadband services and other important technologies is a top priority of the Rural Caucus. We look forward to continuing to broaden our understanding of the vast benefits these technologies bring to rural areas, and how these services can best be implemented and expanded."

"Investments in innovation and high tech industries will play an important role in keeping rural America competitive. Through the smart use of emerging technologies, Rural America has begun taking steps to bridge the technology divide. The rural way of life is forever changing, and the Rural Caucus is dedicated to making sure our communities have the technology access and infrastructure necessary to succeed," Smith said.

Earlier this week, the Caucus held a staff briefing on how USDA Rural Development will implement broadband provisions included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Rural Development will support the expansion of broadband service in rural areas through financing and grants to projects that provide access to high speed service and facilitate economic development in locations without sufficient access to such service.

The Rural Caucus' Telecommunications Task Force, chaired by Congressmen Stupak (D-MI) and Lee Terry (R-NE), will work to promote these kinds of policies to ensure rural Americans have fair access to important telecommunication resources including broadband.

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