Arlington, Va. -- The Coalition to Keep America Connected released the following statement in response to the release of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service Recommended Decision on High-Cost Reform:

The Coalition to Keep America Connected applauds the Joint Board s efforts at addressing meaningful, long-term Universal Service reform in its Recommended Decision. The sustainability of USF is contingent on putting policies in place that use the funds as efficiently and effectively as possible.

'The coalition is pleased that the Joint Board has recognized the investments made by carriers serving costly and rural areas of this country in providing voice and broadband service to our customers. The advanced telecommunication services of tomorrow, including wireless and broadband, will require continued investment in the underlying networks that are the foundation of telecommunications in America.

The recommendation of eliminating the identical support rule is an essential first step in controlling future growth of the fund and ensuring accountability in the use of valuable USF resources. This, coupled with steps to preclude unnecessary duplication of supported carriers will go a long way to ensuring stability in the fund going forward.'

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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 more than 800 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.