Coalition To Keep America Connected.

Washington, D.C., May 2, 2006 -- The Coalition to Keep America Connected today applauded Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) for launching the 'Communications, Consumer's Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006,' which includes many pro-consumer provisions and takes positive steps to modernize and bring accountability to the Universal Service Fund (USF).

'The USF is critical to ensuring that all consumers have access to affordable telecommunications services and the latest technologies-no matter where they live,' Coalition Representative and National Telecommunications Cooperative Association Vice President Shirley Bloomfield said. 'Sen. Stevens' leadership on these issues shows his commitment to craft a solution that modernizes the current Universal Service Fund and his vision to bring broadband to consumers everywhere. Supporting universal service and broadband deployment will provide consumers access to exciting new products and services, which will enable all to thrive in the global community.

'The Coalition to Keep America Connected looks forward to working closely with Sen. Stevens, the Commerce Committee and the entire Congress to get the best possible outcome for consumers everywhere.'

###

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.