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\u201cThe National Grange is proud to support the efforts announced today by The White House and FCC to help underserved and rural communities benefit from improved connectivity. Under the leadership of Chairman Ajit Pai, communities that were once left behind are now poised to experience more of the benefits of our thriving digital economy.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s announcement of a \u2018Rural Digital Opportunity Fund\u2019 builds on previous efforts to work with local and state governments to streamline regulatory requirements and deploy broadband to the people who need it the most. The Fund will invest $20.4 billion over the next 10 years to stimulate private sector investment in innovation and deployment in rural America.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Grange is also glad to hear of the progress under the FCC\u2019s 5G FAST Plan and the announcement of the largest commercial spectrum auction to date. 5G has the potential to radically transform how we live and work \u2013 including through precision agriculture and telehealth services. This vision will only be possible when the private sector is in the driver\u2019s seat of innovation. A government takeover of 5G networks will only serve to stifle the tremendous progress we have made.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe applaud the efforts of this Administration to make sure that rural communities and businesses are not left behind and can access the tools and technology they need to succeed the 21st Century.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"