The National Grange Supports Congressional Attention on Broadband Deployment and Budget Proposal Language
Believes Freeing Up More Wireless Airwaves is Essential
Alleviating spectrum scarcity will directly benefit rural America and the agriculture sector
WASHINGTON – The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will convene tomorrow at 10:00 am for a hearing titled, “Breaking Down Barriers to Broadband Infrastructure Deployment.” The gathering follows a hearing from the same Subcommittee on October 7 – “Improving Federal Spectrum Systems” – as well as a similar discussion in Senate that same day. Perhaps most importantly, tomorrow’s hearing follows the recently-released, bipartisan budget proposal that would require the Commerce Department and Federal Communications Commission to deploy federally-held spectrum to the private market.
Ed Luttrell, the National President of The National Grange of the order of Patrons of Husbandry – a leading expert on the broadband needs for rural America – issued the following statement in preparation for the hearing:
“The National Grange applauds the continued efforts this year by Chairman Greg Walden and Ranking Member Anna Eshoo to address America’s pressing broadband needs. We are particularly pleased that the draft budget introduced Monday includes specific language designed to promptly relinquish more wireless spectrum to the private market. While we agree more must be done to deploy high-speed, fixed broadband to remote corners of the country, we believe that selling or sharing underused, federally-held spectrum is the most pressing matter. We are happy that all discussions continue to emphasize underserved communities such as rural America and urge Congress to turn words into action.”
“Mobile broadband connectivity has become an increasingly important part of life for rural Americans as it helps to close the digital divide. By deploying greater wireless resources that extend to rural America, Congress can help lead the way in providing high-speed mobile Internet and allow rural Americans to have greater access to telemedicine and educational opportunities, as well as the benefits of the growing Internet of Things.”
“If able to alleviate our spectrum scarcity, Congress would also greatly assist the agricultural community, which is heavily reliant on applications and technologies dependent on wireless connections to increase productivity. As Deere & Company Senior Vice President Cory J. Reed testified to the Senate Commerce Committee this month, ‘precision agriculture’ is increasing farm profitability by $5 to $100 per acre, and improving overall crop productivity by 15 percent.”
“We applaud the continued efforts of both Chambers of Congress in this area and welcome an open discussion.”
The National Grange has a summary post on wireless spectrum on its website. Recent opinions from state chapters can also be found online: “Rural Vermont needs wireless help from D.C.” (Vermont); “Congress can help fix Internet woes,” (West Virginia); “Rural New Yorkers need more wireless connectivity,” (New York).
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The National Grange of the order of Patrons of Husbandry is a family, community organization with its roots in agriculture. Founded in 1867, the Grange was formed as a national organization with a local focus. Our members are given the opportunity to learn and grow to their full potential as citizens and leaders.
