October 13, 2006, Arlington, Va. - Heart of Iowa Communications Corporation, a member of the Iowa Telecommunications Association (ITA), hosted a visit by Sen. Charles Grassley (R), where the senator received an additional 1,800 letters from Iowa consumers urging their senator to support legislation that ensures the future of the Universal Service Fund (USF), which helps rural telephone companies deliver affordable, reliable communications services to consumers, no matter where they live.

In late September, the Sen. Grassley was visited by members of the ITA, who delivered close to 1,600 letters to the senator at this office on Capitol Hill.

During his visit to Heart of Iowa Communications Corporation, the senator discussed USF and the current Senate bill, received a demonstration of the telephone company's fiber-to-the-home project, and took a tour of the company's facilities and office.

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.