Coalition To Keep America Connected.

Washington, D.C., March 30, 2006 -- Coalition to Keep America Connected Representative and Independent Telephone & Telecommunications Alliance (ITTA) Legislative Director Jay Driscoll issued the following statement today:

Todays hearing demonstrates the importance of accelerating the delivery and availability of video services to all regions of the country. The hearing also underscores the important leadership role telephone companies will play in bringing those services to rural consumers. Evolving, high quality networks, especially those in rural markets, will be an essential component for delivering new and exciting services for all consumers.

We commend Chairman Barton and Rep. Upton for their leadership and for taking steps to bring meaningful video choice to consumers and look forward to working with the committee to craft telecommunications laws, including universal service reform that benefits all consumers. The Coalition to Keep America Connected remains committed to ensuring that all Americans, no matter where they live, continue to have fair, affordable access to communications services. We look forward to working with the committee as they move forward with this legislation.

###

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.