Coalition To Keep America Connected.

Arlington, Va., April 26, 2007 - The Coalition to Keep America Connected today issued the following statement expressing support for the goals and objectives advanced in the Universal Service Reform Act of 2007, which Congressmen Rick Boucher (D-Va.) and Lee Terry (R-Neb.) have introduced to reform and modernize the Universal Service Fund:

'The Universal Service Fund is the best way to meet the great challenge of giving all Americans access to the unprecedented opportunities created by high-speed broadband. Failure to build this infrastructure will place the United States at an unacceptable disadvantage as our international rivals for jobs and capital make enormous investments in telecommunications infrastructure.

'The Boucher-Terry legislation would reform and modernize the Universal Service Fund to help the nation achieve the pressing goal of universal high-speed broadband access. The Coalition to Keep America Connected applauds the work of Congressman Boucher and Congressman Terry, and offers its support for the goals and objectives of the Universal Service Reform Act of 2007, which would strengthen the communications network on which we all rely.

'The Universal Service Reform Act of 2007 would help ensure the deployment of the national, high-speed broadband network critical to maintaining America's position as the world's preeminent force for economic growth and innovation.'

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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.