Washington, D.C., May 18, 2006 -- Coalition to Keep America Connected Representative and National Telecommunications Cooperative Association Vice President Shirley Bloomfield today testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation during its hearing on S. 2686, the Communications, Consumers' Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006.
Bloomfield testified that the rural sector of the communications industry has a generally positive view of the legislation, noting that it includes many pro-consumer provisions and takes constructive steps to modernize and bring accountability to the Universal Service Fund (USF). USF is critical to ensuring that all consumers have access to affordable telecommunications services and the latest technologies-no matter where they live.
In her testimony, Bloomfield outlined provisions of the bill that the coalition supports, related specifically to USF contributions and distributions, including:
- The expansion of the base of contributors to the program;
- The new definition of 'Communications Service' that will alleviate confusion between telecommunications services and information services;
- The tightening of eligibility requirements for Eligible Communications Carriers;
- The prohibition of a primary-line restriction; and
- The permanent exemption of the USF from the Anti-Deficiency Act.
'The committee's leadership on these issues shows the commitment to craft a solution that modernizes the current Universal Service Fund and the vision to bring broadband to consumers everywhere,' Bloomfield said. 'Supporting universal service and broadband deployment will provide consumer access to exciting new products and services.'
Click here to view Bloomfield's testimony (PDF). ###
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.
