longer the luxury it was a few years ago. It has become an essential service importantto all Amer- icans. Better access to broadband connections can increase opportunities for commerce, education, telemedicine and entertainment. Some policymakers are worried that the standards of access being Broadband is important to the general welfare of all Americans, including those who live in rural communities. proposed for rural areas, part of the FCC’s national broadband plan, may not be adequate. According to Harry Thomas, president of Venture Communications Cooperative in South Dakota, “By setting a low national broadband speed goal, the FCC has guaranteed that consumers, businesses and communities in high-cost rural areas throughout the U.S. will have substandard broadband service.” You can let Congress and the FCC know how important Internet benefits are to rural communities. For more information, visit www.ntca.org/NBPResourceCenter.
