Arlington, Va. , September 7, 2007 - Yesterday the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service released a statement regarding the Universal Service high cost fund tentatively supporting 'mechanisms for the future' focused on voice, broadband and mobility. The Joint Board statement said that 'support mechanisms for the future will be guided by the following principles' of cost control, accountability, state participation and infrastructure build out in unserved areas. Finally the Joint Board stated that: 'The equal support rule will not be part of future support mechanisms.'

The Coalition to Keep America Connected released the following statement in response to the Joint Board's statement:

'The Joint Board's statement regarding the high cost fund is helpful and serves as another step in the right direction toward long-term reform of the Universal Service Fund. The Joint Board's most profound recommendation could resolve the identical support rule that has contributed to excessive fund growth and has compromised the fund's long-term stability.

'The Joint Board recognizes the urgency of USF reform and modernization to ensure Americans, wherever they live, have access to the advanced telecommunications network that is essential for American economic success in an increasingly competitive world. And as the Joint Board notes, new services will be important aspects of any modernized system.'

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.