FCC may freeze funds for rural cell phone service

FCC MAY FREEZE FUNDS FOR RURAL CELL PHONE SERVICE
[SOURCE: Marshfield (WI) News-Herald, AUTHOR: Liz Welter]
The Federal Communications Commission probably will freeze the money it contributes to the delivery of cell phone service in rural areas. fee on customers' monthly bills raises the money to support cellular phone service in rural areas through the FCC's universal service fund. Each phone service provider pays 11 percent of their long distance charges into the service fund. But the FCC's universal fund is not keeping pace with the booming demand for cellular phone access. By capping the fund at the current level for one year, the FCC will have time to explore funding options. "We have to make sure that rural residents in Wisconsin don't get left behind," said Richard Stadelman, executive director of the Wisconsin Towns Association. "Limiting federal support for wireless growth will not only widen the technological gap faced by Wisconsin's rural residents, it will hinder economic development and jeopardize public safety."
http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071018/...

* Federal government urged to provide cell towers in rural areas
[SOURCE: Capitol News Service, AUTHOR: Charlotte Eby]
U.S. Cellular and a leading Iowa law enforcement official are urging the federal government to preserve funding that helps pay to build cell phone towers in rural areas. Some rural areas of Iowa still remain without cell phone coverage. Clay County Sheriff Randy Krukow said that is an important public safety issue. "This stuff is critical. I mean, you're talking life or death," said Krukow, who is president of the Iowa State Sheriffs' and Deputies' Association.
http://www.midiowanews.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=18927480&BRD=2700&PAG=46...