Coalition To Keep America Connected.

Palm Springs, Calif., November 14, 2005 -- At the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners 117th Annual Convention, new results from a nationwide telephone survey of 1,000 voters commissioned by the Coalition to Keep America Connected were released showing that Americans believe telecom reforms top priority should be to keep rates affordable for all consumers. During a panel discussion entitled, The Whole Ball of Wax: Federal Telecom Legislation, former Montana PSC Chairman and NARUC President Bob Rowe, now senior partner at Balhoff & Rowe LLC, shared the coalitions mission, guiding principles and survey results with convention attendees.

While discussing telecommunications policy reform, Rowe shared with the audience that 73% of survey respondents, when read a description of the Universal Service Fund and who it benefits, said that if a vote came up on Capitol Hill, they would ask their Member of Congress to keep the Universal Service fund in place.

When asked what the top priority for telecom reform should be:

42% said keeping rates affordable for all consumers;
15% said continuing to invest in telecommunications infrastructure to spur economic growth, especially in rural America;
15% said reducing government regulations and letting the free market determine what services consumers will have access to and what price;
14% said ensuring an even playing field for all telecommunications providers;
11% said making sure that all consumers have access to the latest technologies, such as broadband.

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The Coalition to Keep America Connected is dedicated to ensuring that all consumers have access to affordable telecommunications services and the latest technologies-no matter where they live. The effort is organized by four rural telecom associations, whose memberships include 700 small and midsize communications companies. Together these companies serve millions of consumers and 40% of the landmass across America. Visit us at www.keepamericaconnected.org.