May 6, 2022
Background: Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the Rural Broadband Protection Act (S.4126), which would require a more thorough vetting and verification process for internet service providers seeking to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) high-cost programs.
The following statement can be attributed to USTelecom President and CEO Jonathan Spalter:
“Accountability and transparency should be bedrock principles of any government program aimed at closing the digital divide and ensuring that recipients of Universal Service Fund dollars are able to deliver on their deployment commitments is essential. All Universal Service funding applicants should have to undergo a thorough vetting process by the FCC before being awarded money to deploy broadband networks. Thanks to Senators Capito and Klobuchar for their leadership with this legislation to ensure the FCC properly vets USF funding applicants to ensure they can deliver on the promise of closing the digital divide.”
ABOUT USTELECOM
USTelecom is the national trade association representing technology providers, innovators, suppliers, and manufacturers committed to connecting the world through the power of broadband. Visit us at www.ustelecom.org.
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