In 2017, it's unacceptable that 61 percent of rural Missourians lack access to broadband. Without high-speed internet, students, teachers, health care providers, and small business owners in rural areas are at a competitive disadvantage compared with people who live in bigger towns and cities.
That needs to change.
Unfortunately, the government has directed limited resources to expand broadband in cities and other urban areas that already have acces. Some of these places even have multiple providers.
From the State Fair to the Senate floor, I've voiced my commitment to eliminating this digital divide and ensuring rural Missouri communities have the same opportunities to grow, compete, and succeed.
There is good news for Missourians. Federal Communications Committee (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai, who was appointed by President Trump, is taking positive steps to expand access to broadband.
I'm pleased that Chairman Pai took action after I urged him to make available $2 billion in funds for rural broadband, and to open this money up to auction so new entrants in this field could competitively bid. The FCC is also working to expand mobile wireless service to rural areas and reduce costs for companies upgrading from copper to fiber optic networks.
There is, however, a lot more that needs to be done. I hear from Missourians all the time who are frustrated with the lack of broadband acccess. If your family or business has been affected, I hope you'll share your story with me on my website at blunt.senate.gov so I can make sure your voice is heard.
As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, I look forward to continuing to work with Missouri families and communities, my colleagues in the Senate, and the FCC to bring high-speed internet to every corner of Missouri.
3 comments:
Per Roy "fecal stain" Blunt - "I'm pleased that Chairman Pai took action after I urged him to make available $2 billion in funds for rural broadband, and to open this money up to auction so new entrants in this field could competitively bid." How many of those companies are being paid by your bribe taking lobbyist family members? This should really add to the bank account.
Thank you Senator Blunt!!
It is VERY badly needed for our State ( especially the rural areas); and I think it is terrific that you are working so hard on this!
Sincerely & respectfully,
Harvey Hutchinson 303-522-6622 voice&text
Ajit Pai and Roy Blunt are both stooges paid by lobbyists. With Pais stances on net neutrality, and Blunt being... himself, this will start out as a great stepping stone to bringing MO into the modern world, and end up a waste of time and money in the end.
By the time Pai has gutted net neutrality nobody will be able to afford internet.
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