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| Sample Letters to the Editor |
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Sample Letter to the Editor 1
October, 2005
Letter to the Editor
[Publication Name]
[Publication Address 1]
[Publication Address 2]
[Date]
RE: ["Article Title"], [date of publication], by [reporter's name]
Like most issues that become complicated, there is a simple reality at the heart of the matter that seldom gets mentioned.
In the case of [reporter name]'s [date of publication] article, ["Article Title'] the simple reality is that the Universal Service Fund keeps telecommunications service prices comparable, for customers living in high-cost, rural areas, to the prices paid by consumers in urban and suburban parts of the country. According to the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the fund, without Universal Service Fund support in [your state], rural consumers' bills would experience an annual increase of [insert number from "What USF Means to My State" at http://www.keepamericaconnected.org/page.cfm/id/126]. To view the impact of USF across the nation, visit http://www.keepamericaconnected.org/page.cfm/id/126.
The Universal Service Fund also plays a valuable role in our state's economic development, education and health care. Rural telephone companies provide the underlying telecommunications network that makes it possible for businesses to operate in, and relocate to, rural parts of our state. The telecommunications network also brings distance learning opportunities to school districts that do not have enough students to support full-time teachers in select subjects. And for many residents in small towns, the telecommunica- tions network links community medical facilities to major hospitals, bringing the world-class medical care and expertise to patients wherever they are located.
[Name]
[Title]
[Company]
[City, State]
[Phone number-required so editors may verify letter]
Sample Letter to the Editor 2
August, 2006
Letter to the Editor
[Letter to the Editor]
[Publication Name]
[Publication Street Address]
[Publication City, State, and Zip Code]
[Date]
RE: ["Article Title"], [Date of Publication], by [Reporter's Name]
[Reporter Name]'s [Date of Publication] article, ["Article Title"] highlights the important issue of supporting affordable telecommunications services for consumers. However, I must disagree with some of the author's conclusions regarding the effectiveness and accomplishments of our universal service programs.
The Universal Service Fund ensures that all Americans have access to the latest communications services at affordable rates, no matter where they live. The Fund has been extraordinarily successful, enabling our nation to achieve a telephone penetration rate of 94 percent. It also makes distance learning opportunities and telemedicine initiatives available to rural residents, and enables both small and large businesses to hire rural workers via telecommuting.
In addition, rural telecommunications companies support economic growth and development in our state. They provide valuable jobs, infrastructure investment, and contribute to our state's tax base. According to the Universal Service Administrative Company and National Exchange Carrier Association, which administer the Universal Service Fund, rural telecommunications companies add over [insert number for your state from www.keepamericaconnected.org/page.cfm/id/124] jobs, invest [insert number for your state from www.keepamericaconnected.org/page.cfm/id/124] in infrastructure, and support [insert number for your state from www.keepamericaconnected.org/page.cfm/id/124] in annual tax revenues in our state.
Without Universal Service support in our state, rural consumers' bills would experience an annual increase of [insert number for your state from www.keepamericaconnected.org/state.html].
The Universal Service Fund represents a strong investment in our state's future. Reducing or eliminating it would harm consumers everywhere.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your City and State]
[Your Phone Number - Required to the editors can verify the letter]
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