“We applaud Congressional leadership for including several significant telecommunications components in the 2018 omnibus budget legislation, including RAY BAUM’s Act which reauthorizes the FCC for the first time in 28 years and directs the Commission to identify new unlicensed spectrum that can help meet growing consumer demand for Wi-Fi and other emerging services.
“We also support Congress’ decision to appropriate $600 million for a new pilot program administered by the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service that will focus new federal funding on reaching unserved households without access to basic broadband service via any capable technology available. Our industry is committed to expanding both the power and reach of broadband technology in rural America and is currently working with a number of states to direct public funding where it is most needed and to make a measurable difference in connecting unserved Americans to the internet.
“We look forward to swift passage of this legislation in the House and Senate.”