Administration Must Commit to True Universal Service

[Commentary] Kudos to Susan P. Crawford for recognizing the significance of regulatory policy in closing the digital divide.

Ms. Crawford points out that all Americans need the advantages brought about through high-speed wired networks that are often expensive to deploy. Local, community-based rural telecommunications companies are part of the solution. These companies are committed to serving the underserved and the unserved, but can do so only with regulatory certainty and sufficient support. It is essential for the Obama administration to show a greater commitment to true universal service. That will encourage small, rural providers to invest in high-speed broadband networks and help ensure a brighter future for those most in need of affordable, high-quality broadband service.

[Bloomfield is National Telecommunications Cooperative Association]