Lawmakers ask FCC to protect rural broadband from new rule

A bipartisan group of 44 representatives and 21 senators signed letters from each body to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski asking the commission avoid proposed rule changes that could imperil the deployment of high speed Internet in rural areas.

The House's letter was circulated by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) and signed 43 members who represent mostly rural districts. Rep Luetkemeyer and colleagues reminded Chairman Genachowski that the increase in build-out of rural broadband has been "a major source of jobs." But unless the commission provides "more certainty to broadband providers" by avoiding a recently announced proposed rulemaking, it could harm both consumers and the rural economy.

(April 5)