Press Release
Broadband Is Critical Infrastructure for Rural America
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON -- According to a new study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, rural counties on the wrong side of the digital divide are at a major economic disadvantage compared to rural counties with high-speed Internet. The study shows that counties with broadband have stronger economic and employment growth than unserved rural areas do.
Derek Turner, research director at Free Press, issued the following statement:
"The USDA study adds more weight to the overwhelming evidence that broadband is becoming critical infrastructure and driving the economy throughout America. Closing the rural digital divide should be a top priority for policymakers, who must ensure that economic stimulus funds reach the rural areas that need them the most. We must also finally tackle the long-needed reform of the Universal Service Fund. Policies that will foster a world-class broadband infrastructure for all Americans are essential to the future of rural America."
Read the USDA's new report, "Broadband Internet's Value for
Rural America": http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/err78/
Read more about policy solutions for reforming the Universal Service Fund in the Free Press report "America's Broadband Problem: Access": http://freepress.net/files/changingmedia-chap5.pdf
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Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
Derek Turner, research director at Free Press, issued the following statement:
"The USDA study adds more weight to the overwhelming evidence that broadband is becoming critical infrastructure and driving the economy throughout America. Closing the rural digital divide should be a top priority for policymakers, who must ensure that economic stimulus funds reach the rural areas that need them the most. We must also finally tackle the long-needed reform of the Universal Service Fund. Policies that will foster a world-class broadband infrastructure for all Americans are essential to the future of rural America."
Read the USDA's new report, "Broadband Internet's Value for
Rural America": http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/err78/
Read more about policy solutions for reforming the Universal Service Fund in the Free Press report "America's Broadband Problem: Access": http://freepress.net/files/changingmedia-chap5.pdf
###
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
