Op-Ed: Recommendations to FCC good for Rural America

By Betsy E. Huber, National Grange President

For 150 years, the National Grange has worked to ensure that all communities directly benefit from the latest advances in communications technologies. We have consistently supported FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s efforts to promote better high-speed internet access for all Americans, regardless of location. As a proud member of the Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee, we are making it our priority to offer recommendations to the Commission on how to remove unnecessary regulations that hamper infrastructure investment so that the deployment of high-speed Internet access can be made possible.

Through policy, rural communities can benefit greatly from infrastructure network improvements needed to assist local technologies. Residents in these communities can utilize internet speeds in the home, businesses, and community. Improving internet speeds can also assist healthcare access through various medical monitoring programs including home-based internet services that track patient’s vital signs. For those that may live a far distance from a hospital or needed specialist, these new services can allow them to continue to live in their rural areas without having to sacrifice access to quality healthcare.

I, along with Grange chapters from across the country, recognize that everyone should have high-speed internet access and a supportive infrastructure system in place in order to connect to the global digital network. I look forward to seeing the FCC move forward with our BDAC recommendations adopted this week and to continuing our work on the state and municipal model codes to be finalized next meeting.