A group pushing for the utilization of unused television signals to increase rural connectivity has the support of 41 rural companies and organizations on comments sent to the Federal Communications Commission.
The letter was led by Connect Americans Now, which is leading the effort to use TV white space to carry broadband signals to underserved areas. The signers — which include national names like BASF and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, to name a few — say they endorse a pending FCC action to improve connectivity by “maximizing spectrum resources and clearing regulatory barriers to innovation.”
“In today’s technology-driven world, broadband has become a basic necessity,” they say in a letter. “Like water and electricity, it is one of the essential tools to run an effective farming and ranching operation, open up markets for American products and businesses to compete globally, deliver effective health care services, allow students to reach their full potential and provide veterans the services and opportunities they deserve.”
The FCC is scheduled to vote on the language next week. The CAN letter says a draft report and order under consideration by the FCC “will help reduce costs and increase the reach of hybrid network broadband deployments.”
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