Coalition Works to Expand Rural Broadband

A coalition of rural and farm groups are seeking to improve rural connectivity to broadband.  The first in a series of workshops was held Wednesday at the Department of Agriculture.  Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai joined executives from the five partner organizations for the discussion.

The coalition includes the Farm Foundation, The Rural Broadband Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, CoBank, and the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation.  Farm Foundation President and CEO Constance Cullman says: “Actions needed to improve e-connectivity vary widely by community and region," adding that the listening sessions will “highlight common issues,” and challenges.

The stakeholders emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to enhance broadband services in rural America.  The next listening session will be in June in Minnesota, with additional sessions to be completed over the next six months.

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