The National Grange issued a statement on Tuesday, June 4, supporting the reauthorization of STELAR Act by Congress.

“STELAR is vital to preserving rural communities’ access to information. Congress should reauthorize it without delay. Rural areas depend on these STELAR provisions to receive major broadcast network programming that all other Americans enjoy and often take for granted.

“Satellite is the only viable technology solution that allows rural communities consistent access to programming at a fair price. It is important that Congress reauthorize STELAR and preserve the ability of satellite and pay-TV providers to import distant signals to underserved households without the threat of unnecessary retransmission fee disputes that would suspend consumers’ access to certain channels without notice.

“Rural Americans – whether they subscribe using satellite or cable – deserve fair access to information and entertainment. Inadequate broadband infrastructure already places rural areas at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing the evolving media landscape, including over the top (OTT) video and other bandwidth-intensive streaming services that require fast and reliable internet connections. Congress must reauthorize STELAR so that rural Americans do not risk falling further behind.”