Hearing on Expanding Broadband Access with Three Federal Agencies

Press Release

The Committee on Small Business today held a hearing appraising the role of the federal government in expanding broadband access to small businesses across the country. The Committee, led by Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), expressed the need to bring more access and certainty to rural and unserved areas.

"One of the most important tools the Internet offers to businesses is the ability to access the global electronic marketplace," said Chairman Graves. "Increased access will allow more small businesses to compete and enter the global market. To grow and create jobs, small businesses need to be able to count on reliable broadband. We've heard from a number of carriers regarding the regulatory uncertainty in deploying broadband to new areas. Small businesses must have stability to make decisions that last for years, which includes any investment or new jobs."

The Committee heard testimony from the Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski, Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service Administrator Jonathan Adelstein, and Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration Assistant Secretary Lawrence E. Strickling on the status of current broadband programs and the government's overall strategy to expand broadband capabilities to small businesses.

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